The School of Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University’s main campus in Hamilton, New Zealand, is searching for a highly motivated individual to study the role of horizontal gene transfer in creating and maintaining intra-species genomic variations in geothermal microbial communities in collaboration with staff from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Canterbury. The position will undertake research for the multidisciplinary project “From Geothermal Hot Springs to Microbial Gene Pools: Explaining Intra-Species Genomic Variations in Bacteria”. The research will focus on microbial communities found in geothermal pools across the Taupo volcanic zone in New Zealand.

The candidate

• will have a PhD in a relevant field as well as hands-on experience with associated techniques, including comparative genomics, metagenomics, isolation and characterisation of environmental microorganisms and geochemical analyses of environmental samples
• is expected to undertake laboratory and field research associated with the project and maintain and make available current knowledge of relevant research areas
• is expected to fulfil relevant administrative duties and reporting responsibilities
• has an excellent publication record as well as good writing and verbal communication skills

Salary will be in the range of NZ$74,034 to $89,163 per year, depending on qualifications, skills and experience.
Enquiries of an academic nature should be directed to Professor Chad Hewitt, Dean, School of Science, email: chad.hewitt@waikato.ac.nz

Fixed-term for three years

For more information and to apply, visit www.jobs.waikato.ac.nz (vacancy ref number. 380096)