2.5-year Postdoctoral Fellowship in Plant Ecology and Evolutionary Genomics The Field lab at Macquarie University is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to join our project on local adaptation and admixture in Native Seed Production Areas in Australian plants. This project aims to understand how we can produce 'Super Seed' - optimising genetic diversity and admixture in native seed orchards for Australian plants used in restoration projects. The establishment of Seed Production Areas (SPA) for native Australian plants has become increasingly important to fill the gap between seed supply and demand. However, key knowledge gaps remain in understanding the genetic diversity and composition of SPAs compared to natural populations and how this translates to healthy seeds suitable for changing climates. We are particularly interested in how plant mating systems, pollination systems and demographic factors such as range size and neighbourhood size impact seed quality and quantity and extent of admixture between provenances. As part of a collaboration with Greening Australia and other research groups across Australia, we aim to undertake research with practical application to improve outcomes for native seed. The overall objective of this project is to develop a Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) framework for SPAs based on genetic diversity and quality of seed produced. This postdoc will contribute to basic research problems in a comparative framework across species. Using population genomic analyses in SPAs and native populations to understand the demographic and evolutionary history of each species, and eco-evol models of genetic rescue, paternity analyses and GEA of provide practical solutions to SPA design. Opportunities for supervisory experience (working with a PhD position on this project) and teaching in the department. The broader group works on a range of plant systems (e.g. snapdragons, kangaroo paws, Eucalypts) and research questions related to speciation, adaptation, genetic rescue and conservation of threatened species and plant-pollinator interactions. We utilise an integrated approach using bioinformatics, population and evolutionary genetics, field ecology and glasshouse experiments, molecular biology, biochemistry and mathematical modelling. Macquarie University is situated in the northern part of Sydney. The city is a diverse and vibrant place to live, a beautiful harbour city with vast entertainment options and outdoor activities on your doorstep. Gold sandy beaches and vast National Parks circle the city (e.g. Blue Mountains, Ku-ring-gai Chase national parks) situated in a global biodiversity hotspot are easily accessible by train. For more details on selection criteria see the link below. Enquiries: A/Professor David Field, david.field[@]mq.edu.au To Apply: https://www.seek.com.au/job/73819857 Closing Date: 31st March 2024 David Field (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)