DESCRIPTION

.Virus detection and bioinformatics
.The Australian National University, School of Botany and Zoology in Canberra
.The Department of Primary Industry in Melbourne

A PhD scholarship of $20,000 (tax exempt) is available for a research project on the design of advanced DNA tools for detecting viruses under the supervision of Dr Brendan Rodoni, Dr Mark Gibbs and Professor Adrian Gibbs.

CAREER PROSPECTS
The student will develop a strong background in bioinformatics, virology and nucleic acids biochemistry and would be suited for a future career in research, including medical research, or in a related industry or public service role.

PROJECT
The student will be enrolled at the School of Botany and Zoology at the Australian National University in Canberra, where he or she will analyse virus genomes and design nucleic acid probe-based experiments. Probe hybridisation experiments will be done using real-time detection equipment at the Knoxfield laboratories of the Department of Primary Industries in Melbourne. Methods will be explored for the most efficient use of real-time PCR for detecting previously unrecognised viruses. The project will contribute to a Biosecurity program to protect Australian agriculture from invading pests and diseases. Work will focus on plant viruses that may pose a quarantine threat to Australia and will include phylogenetics and assessing detection sensitivity. The student will travel occasionally between the two laboratories and there will be some financial assistance with travel and accommodation costs.

APPLICATIONS
This scholarship is available in the first instance to citizens of Australia and New Zealand and those with permanent residency. Students from other countries are welcome to apply but should contact Mark Gibbs first for information on international student fees. A background in one or more of the following fields is preferred: virology, microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry or bioinformatics. Applications should be sent by email or post to Mark Gibbs, and should include a brief cover letter, contact details for two possible referees and a brief CV of no more than 3 pages.

DEADLINE
Deadline for applications: February 29, 2004. A start on the project before April 2004 is preferred.

CONTACT
Dr Mark Gibbs
School of Botany and Zoology
The Australian National University
Canberra ACT 0200 AUSTRALIA
Mark.Gibbs[at]anu.edu.au
http://www.anu.edu.au/BoZo/combo/GibbsLab.htm
Telephone 61 (0)2 6125 2877
Facsimile 61 (0)2 6125 0643