POSITION OVERVIEW
The Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry in the School of Environmental Science and Management at Southern Cross University has a 3-year ARC funded postdoctoral position available to work on carbon and nitrogen cycling in permeable sands in tropical coastal systems. The project will involve using a variety of techniques including stable isotope tracers, N2: Ar fluxes, biomarkers (e.g. bacteria, BMA), planar optodes (O2, pH), microsensors, in-situ benthic chambers with advective flow, flow-through column experiments and modelling. Field work will be in local estuaries and coral reefs on the Great Barrier Reef. The position will be based in Australia but there will also be opportunity to spend periods in Prof Ronnie Glud's laboratory (Partner Investigator) in Scotland.

The Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry has a number of post-graduate, post-doctoral and senior researchers working in similar areas, that provides an environment for intellectual stimulation and opportunities for exchange of ideas. The world-class infrastructure of two institutions will be available for the project including a brand new stable isotope facility with a TOC/ GC-c/ EA-IRMS (Thermo Delta V) with full technical support, a membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS), and well equipped inorganic and organic chemistry laboratories and benthic chambers at Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry and microsensors and planar optodes at Dustaffnage Marine Laboratory (Partner Investigator).

Southern Cross University is based in Lismore, northern NSW, Australia. The region is a great place to live with a sub-tropical climate, some of the best beaches and surfing in the world and there is also great fishing, scuba diving and wilderness areas nearby. The quality of life is very high and the cost of living relatively low.

The annual salary will be $58,801 to $66,346 pa (Level A6 to B1 Academic Staff with a PhD) depending on qualifications and experience, plus employer contribution to superannuation. In addition, under the Southern Cross University EB Agreement there will be a further 4% incremented salary increase by 1 October 2008.

Applicants must have PhD and experience in permeable sands or muddy sediment biogeochemistry. Experience with stable isotope biogeochemistry, preferably compound specific stable isotope work, microsensors and modelling would also be an advantage. Applicants should be highly motivated, enthusiastic and have a strong desire to publish the findings of this research in high impact journals. Applicants should also have a demonstrated understanding of equity principles as they pertain to staff and students.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning and implementation of field and laboratory work
• Data analysis, synthesis and interpretation
• Preparation of manuscripts for submission for publication as refereed journal articles
• Preparation of reports to funding sources (e.g. ARC)
• Preparation of funding proposals
• Assistance, as appropriate, in supervising undergraduate and/or postgraduate students undertaking research projects within this larger project.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Ideally, the appointee should possess the following qualifications, skills, abilities and experience:
1. PhD in a relevant field;
2. Demonstrated experience with permeable sands or muddy sediment biogeochemistry;
3. Demonstrated publication record in high impact internationally refereed journals;
4. Experience in one or more of the following:
- Stable isotope biogeochemistry,
- Stable isotope traces and compound specific work,
- Planar optodes or microsensors,
- Modelling,
- Carbonate geochemistry,
- Field work in remote areas.
5. Proven ability to work effectively as a member of a research team;
6. Knowledge of OH&S procedures for field work, laboratories and laboratory equipment;
7. Demonstrated understanding of equity principles as they pertain to staff and students.

For further information about this position, contact:
Professor Bradley Eyre
Phone: 02 6620 3773
Email: bradley.eyre@scu.edu.au

Applications should quote the Vacancy ID (28017), systematically address the selection criteria, and include a CV, a list of publications, and the names, addresses, email, fax and phone number of two confidential referees. Closing date 19 March, 2008.

All applications are to be addressed and forwarded to:
EMAIL:
hr-recruit@scu.edu.au

POST:
Director, Human Resources
Southern Cross University
PO Box 157
LISMORE NSW 2480

FAX:
+61-2-6622 4240

This Job Announcement was posted on the Estuarine Research Federation Web Site on 2/23/2008
The full URL is http://erf.org/jobs/2008_2_19_215333.html