The University of Waikato is committed to building a world-class research and education programme in polar biology through the combined efforts of the School of Science, the International Centre for Terrestrial Antarctic Research, and the Environmental Research Institute. The position resides within the School of Science which offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Aquaculture, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Sciences, and Molecular and Cellular Biology.

This position will make a significant contribution to the University’s existing multidisciplinary expertise in Antarctic research. Applications are sought from suitably qualified people with expert knowledge in geomicrobiology or a related area, for a two-year period with a possible extension to 3 years. The successful candidate will be part of an international team undertaking a Royal Society of New Zealand (Marsden Fund)-funded research in Antarctica, and will be involved in coordination and execution of field and laboratory research with collaborators, supervision of students and outreach.

Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant area with high quality innovative research. All areas of contemporary geomicrobiology including classical bacteriology, microbial physiology, biogeochemistry, bioinformatics and microbial ecology will be considered but we especially seek individuals that have broad experience in cultivating bacteria and archaea from extreme environments, particularly geothermal/hydrothermal systems. The successful candidate must be willing to undertake extended field work in Antarctica and have a high level of fitness and health needed for working at high altitude.

Salary range for a Postdoctoral researcher is NZ$75,514 to NZ$83,564 per year, depending on qualifications, skills and experience.

Enquiries of an academic nature should be directed to Professor Craig Cary craig.cary@waikato.ac.nz