The closing date for the below position has been extended to 15th Dec 2006

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Environmental Statistics (3 years); 

REF. 4508NET, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, 
UNSW, Sydney.	 

We are looking for a statistician with an interest in applied 
environmental management. This position is available for three years and 
will be based in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental 
Sciences but working collaboratively with the Department of Mathematics 
and Statistics at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. 

The position will help develop a series of Bayesian hierarchical models 
for describing and predicting the environmental flow regime for one of 
Australia's most important wetlands, the Macquarie Marshes in 
south-eastern Australia, supplied by the Macquarie River. The Macquarie 
River is a major regulated river in the Murray-Darling Basin, supplying 
towns, a large irrigation industry and the Macquarie Marshes.

The research fellow will analyse long-term rainfall and flow data to 
develop Bayesian models integrating current knowledge about flooding 
patterns, responses of waterbirds, vegetation and native fish species. A 
major aim is to develop a decision support system for the management of 
the Macquarie Marshes for environmental objectives. This will provide the 
information and mechanisms for making more informed decisions about 
environmental flows. The project will also provide a method for improving 
predictions from models with new data so that management can benefit from 
feedback loops. The research fellow would be part of a larger research 
team, including post-doc researchers working on flood dependent 
vegetation, waterbirds and native fish species. The team also includes PhD 
and honours students.

Essential requirements include either a PhD in Statistics or in the 
Natural Sciences with a strong statistical component. Further essential 
requirements include experience of developing and applying Bayesian models 
of complex, dynamic systems; a sound knowledge of statistical theory and 
practice; good organisational skills; a record of research publications; 
proven skills in collaboration and communication; drivers licence and 
knowledge of OHS and Equity principles and procedures. Desirable criteria 
include experience in Bayesian methods; advanced GIS skills; experience 
working at landscape scales; and experience in the adaptive management of 
river flows. Lecturer B Remuneration will be AU$65,028
—76,660 per year (plus up to 17% employer superannuation plus leave 
loading). 

The appointment is for up to three years, with a period of probation for 6 
months. For further information, please contact Prof Richard Kingsford, 
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (+61 2 938-53442, 
[log in to unmask]) or Dr Scott Sisson, School of Mathematics 
and Statistics (+61 2 938-57027, [log in to unmask]).

Applicants should email a CV, covering letter and contact details of at 
least two referees to [log in to unmask]). 

Applications close 15th December 2006.


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S. A. Sisson
School of Mathematics & Statistics   Phone: +61-2-938-57027
University of New South Wales Web:   Fax:   +61-2-938-57123
Sydney 2052, Australia               www.maths.unsw.edu.au/~scott

UNSW CRICOS Providor Code: 00098G