Life Impact Profile

Research Associate

School of Earth & Environmental Sciences

Job Reference Number: 1800

This Australian Research Council funded Discovery project seeks to determine whether functional forms of spatially explicit population dynamics are generalisable across taxa with similar attributes and range limiting factors.

By considering the effects of multiple interacting factors (biotic and abiotic) on the demographic determinants of species’ habitat suitability and geographic distributional limits, the research will provide a foundation on which to develop adaptive conservation strategies in response to the anticipated impacts of global change; examine the complexities and potentially irreducible uncertainties in forecasting and managing biodiversity; and identify limitations associated with different modeling approaches.

We are seeking a Research Associate who will be involved in strategic fieldwork to parameterise range dynamics models for macropods across the tropical savannahs, collating relevant literature and database information on modelled species, estimating key demographic rates of focal species, assisting other project researchers in validating model projections and running simulations.

Position Requirements

You should have:

A BSc with Honours degree (or equivalent) in ecology or conservation biology
Competency in statistical and spatial data analysis and data management
Ability to conduct field work in remote circumstances
Ability to write scientific reports to a professional standard
Evidence of time management and interpersonal skills

Salary

(Level A) $51,260 - $69,563 per annum. A minimum of $64,805 (Level A Step 6) per annum is payable to the holder of a PhD.

Superannuation

Plus an employer superannuation contribution of 17% applies.

Term of Position

This fixed-term position is available immediately for a period of 1 year with the possibility of extension.

Further Information

Please refer to the selection criteria or alternatively contact Dr Damien Fordham, ph (08) 8303 36711, email: damien.fordham@adelaide.edu.au.

Applications

Closing date: 14 May 2010.

Your application must:

include your résumé/Curriculum Vitae
address the selection criteria
quote the relevant reference number
include residency status
include the names, addresses and/or email details of three referees

Email applications to damien.fordham@adelaide.edu.au or forward in duplicate to:

Dr Damien Fordham
Mawson Laboratories
School of Earth & Environmental Sciences
The University of Adelaide
South Australia 5005