Research Associate

About us

Faculty of Science and Engineering

The school of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin University provides world-class training for geoscientific and geospatial careers through our industry-recognised teaching programs, and undertake fundamental and applied research into the past, present and future of our planet and solar system. Geoscience at Curtin received one of the highest rankings in Australia in the 2018 ERA (Excellence in Research for Australia) assessment, with a 5 in Geology and 5 in Geochemistry, following on its success in the 2012 and 2015 ERAs where it received similar rankings.

About the role

In this role you will be involved in a wide range of statistical data analysis, experimental design, and sampling design, according to your abilities and training.

The role will work with a multidisciplinary team of researchers in geological science, fossil geochemistry, geomicrobiology, atmospheric monitoring and statistical science, led by highly distinguished specialists in each of these fields.
Your will undertake geomicrobiology research as part of the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring study.

https://www.wa.gov.au/service/aboriginal-affairs/aboriginal-heritage-conservation/program-murujuga-rock-art

Activities will include:

Use advanced molecular biological approaches to characterise:

a) Microbial community composition associated with rock patina and the underlying weathered rind.
b) Diversity and relative abundance of functional genes involved in microbial processes and pathways that may contribute to stabilising or bio-deteriorating the rock patina are present
c) Characterise which of these functional genes are expressed to functional gene transcripts that can potentially be translated into functional proteins/enzymes that carry out these processes

Use advanced bioinformatics tools to:

a) Build metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) from the shotgun metagenome dataset of objective 1b and map the functional gene transcripts from objective 1c to the MAGs
b) Determine the number of mutations that occurred post-mortem in the assembled metagenomic bins (from objective 2a) to distinguish between microbial taxa that have been preserved in the patina as ancient DNA vs. those that represent modern taxa represent
c) Estimate the growth rate of the patina associated microbial communities by measuring genome replication rates from shotgun metagenomic bins without the need for cultivation

Perform cultivation experiments to follow seasonal changes in the composition and number of viable bacteria and fungi isolated from the rock (sub)surfaces and to compare the community composition and metabolic potential with the microbiomes from the pristine field sample

Patina-free rock cubes will be exposed to the field environmental conditions to monitor the rate in which a patina-building microbiome re-colonises the rock surface and which taxa and processes are involved. These datasets will be compared with the established rock patina microbiomes

Perform cloud/exposure chamber time series exposure experiments to determine the threshold concentrations of key pollutants in the region (identified during aim 4) that result in a shift in microbial communities with bio weathering properties
 
Why choose Curtin?
Curtin University offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package, a friendly and collaborative work environment, generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, generous superannuation, and salary-packaging. Our vibrant campus also includes an art gallery, gym, childcare, medical centre, and endless food options.
For more information on our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au 

We are looking for someone with

• A PhD in (geo) Microbiology or a closely related field.
• A demonstrated expertise in a range of laboratory-based microbiology methods and analysis.
• A demonstrated expertise in advanced bioinformatics and genomic data analysis techniques.
• Demonstrated experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Evidence of high-quality research publications

To 

please complete the online application form via the link below, noting we cannot accept resumes sent to the below email address.

Please provide a cover letter and resume as well as sufficient information and examples relating to the relevant selection criteria (outlined above) to allow us to assess your suitability for the role. 

Applications close: 24 June 2022, 10pm AWST

Contact details

If you have any queries in relation to the requirements of this role, please contact Ben Mullins, Professor and MRAMP lead Researcher [email protected] or Marco Coolen – MRAMP Geomicrobiology lead [email protected].

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact [email protected]

Applicants should note that prior to appointment, you will need to have a current National Police Records check, undergo character, integrity, and reference checks, and provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination and booster (if eligible).