Microbiology (medical/dental) / Ancient DNA / Archaeology

ARC Post-doctoral position available at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/acad/

Due to an administrative delay posting the job description, the closing
date for this position has been extended until March 7, 2012.

Salary: (Level A) Aus $68,751 - $73,800 // (Level B) $75,425 - $89,569
per year. (Appointment to either level will be commensurate with
qualifications and experience).

We are searching for a post-doctoral researcher to lead a 3-year
Australian Research Council funded project ‘A powerful new genetic view
of the recent evolutionary history of humans and their diseases' which
will use DNA from calcified oral microbial plaques to trace the evolution
of a variety of human diseases, and the relationship to culture, diet,
migration patterns and geography.

The project will use Next Generation Sequencing approaches to explore
microbial diversity over the past 10,000 years, in one of the first
studies of how human commensals have evolved through time and the
potential disease consequences. Primary study areas are Neolithic Europe
and the Americas, and international travel is likely.

We are looking for an unusually capable and motivated individual with
wide interests who enjoys challenging and unusual research, and has
the ability to work closely with archaeologists and museum personnel as
well as dental microbiologists and evolutionary biologists. Expertise in
microbial evolution, genetics, archaeology, bioinformatics, and natural
history are key requirements. Evidence of strong independent research
and writing/publishing skills are also essential.

The successful applicant will have been awarded a PhD at the time of
taking up the appointment, and will have a strong record of publishing
papers throughout their career, preferably in high profile journals.

Enquiries of an academic nature can be directed to Professor Alan
Cooper, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, University of Adelaide,
email: alan.cooper@adelaide.edu.au

Fixed-term for three years starting as soon as possible

Applicants can visit http://www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/current/ Job
No. 17258 for relevant information on the application process, and the
selection criteria. Applications will be accepted until the 7 March, 2012.

alan.cooper@adelaide.edu.au