Position:

The Centre for Water Sensitive Cities and Department of Civil Engineering at Monash University are seeking to employ a post-doctoral research fellow with experience in environmental microbiology.

Background:

Monash University’s Centre for Water Sensitive Cities (www.watersensitivecities.org.au) is the leading research organisation in Australia for urban stormwater research and focus on stormwater treatment, monitoring and modelling. We currently have a number of new and exciting projects which focus on microorganisms in the urban environment. One project focuses on the optimisation of existing stormwater treatment systems for the removal of pathogens from urban stormwater so it can be safely discharged to downstream systems or be reused for other applications (toilet flushing, irrigation, etc). Another project is looking into the behaviour of faecal microorganisms in existing urban stormwater treatment systems (e.g. biofilters, wetlands, ponds, etc) and using this knowledge to produce a predictive model. These projects are part of $20 mil research program on Cities as Water Supply Catchments, and in particular P1: Sustainable Technologies (www.watersensitivecities.org.au/?page_id=203). Yet another project aims to determine the sources, sinks and transport processes of faecal microorganisms (including pathogens) in Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River. Finally, the team is also conducting a number of other smaller microbiological based projects, including: (1) uncertainty assessment of measurement and sampling techniques, (2) monitoring of microorganisms in the urban environment and (3) source tracking of urban microorganisms.

Key selection criteria:

The successful applicant will have the following attributes:

• Has significant background in microbiology (previous research, previous consultancy, undergraduate degree or post graduate degree [masters/PhD];
• Has a PhD degree in a related field (preferably in environmental microbiology);
• Be honest, hard working and able to work within a multidisciplinary team, including working with PhD/masters students;
• Has the ability to write high quality journal papers and technical reports and have the willingness to lead this process;
• Eager to learn new techniques/skills that exist in this field;
• Willing to work at multiple levels, from providing conceptual ideas about experiments (designing and making significant contribution to their development) to making them happen on the ground (working in the laboratory);
• Willing to help/lead the writing of research proposals and grant applications for future related work; and,

Appointment:

The position is full-time, however flexible working arrangements may be negotiated (including option of part-time work). Both national and international applicants are encouraged to apply for this position. Start dates are negotiable, but preferably before the end of 2010. The position is for 1 year, with possible extension dependant on future funding. The successful applicant will have support by the Centre to build an internationally recognised team on water resource microbiology. This is truly a unique opportunity to work with an internationally recognised research team in urban water management. 

Remuneration:

Level A – $71,157 to $76,383 per annum (including employer superannuation of 9%). The position is full-time, however flexible working arrangements may be negotiated (see Appointment above).

More information:

Please contact David McCarthy on +61 4 00 634 365, or email: david.mccarthy@monash.edu.au