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The position

An exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow statistician to work on population modelling and genetics aspects of Close-kin Mark Recapture. In this role you will develop and extend a suite of statistical methods for identifying genetically related pairs of individuals in large samples, to estimate the abundance and other demographics of wild marine populations. The main goal is to find parent-offspring, half-sibling pairs and more distant kin. A central component of the research is to develop statistical techniques to take advantage of the latest genetic sequencing technologies, and to investigate their potential through applications to species with different life-histories. Data is available from existing and planned projects on sharks, tunas, and other fish species. A second task will be to explore development of new approaches to inferring population structure in large, highly fecund marine populations through the combination of close-kin and conventional population genetics data. For both you will work with population geneticists to refine the genetic techniques to facilitate large-scale, cost-effective implementation for monitoring commercially harvested species and species “at risk” from a conservation perspective.

You will be part of an internationally recognised research group in population dynamics, assessment and applied resource and conservation management. To be successful you must have the ability and willingness to actively collaborate with a range of colleagues in multi-disciplinary project teams, which will include statisticians, geneticists, fisheries and conservation biologists and mathematical modellers.

Your duties will include:

• Under the direction of the Project Leader, evaluate a range of genetic techniques and their utility for a range of close-kin mark-recapture applications.
• Develop and apply close-kin methods for new species based on next generation sequencing techniques and genome complexity reduction.
• Develop and trial genetic and statistical techniques to detect a range of close-kin relationships, using low-cost approaches to coarse-level genome assembly.
• Explore the integration of close-kin and population genetics approaches for estimating structure and connectivity in marine populations

Location:   Hobart, TAS
Salary:       $83K - $91K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:      Specified term of 3 years
Job ref.:    56089

To be successful you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in statistics, population modelling or quantitative population genetics and evidence of original work in this field. 

Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years of relevant postdoctoral experience.

• A record of publications in quality, peer reviewed journals.
• Experience in population modelling and modern statistical methods for estimation of population parameters.
• High level mathematical and statistical coding skills, including use of R, C++
• Ability to work in a team environment, cooperate with others to achieve organisational objectives, sharing team resources.
• Ability to collaborate with other teams as well as industry colleagues;
• High-level written and oral communication skills
• Experience in the development and application of mark-recapture models; genetic analyses for population structure and connectivity; and/or an understanding of adaptive management and simulation evaluation of natural resource management systems would be an advantage.

Before you apply please view the full position details and selection criteria here:  Position description

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

We imagine. We collaborate. We innovate. At CSIRO, we do the extraordinary every day. We innovate for tomorrow and help improve today – for our customers, all Australians and the world. We do this by using science and technology to solve real issues. Diversity is the compass that navigates our innovation. We provide an inclusive workplace that respects, values and actively pursues the benefits of a diverse workforce.

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you.
Find out more here!  Balance

About CSIRO Ocean and Atmosphere:
CSIRO Ocean and Atmosphere is uniquely placed to deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits for Australia and the region. We seek to secure Australia’s future through our seas and skies.  Find out more: 

How to apply:  If you wish to apply for this position, please upload 1 document only containing your resume that best demonstrates your ability to meet the requirements of the role as defined in the Position Details Document.  You will also be required to respond to some screening questions on-line when submitting your application. 

Applications close:  11:59pm AEDT, 22 March 2018