 |
 |
We are embarking of an ambitious five-year multidisciplinary research programme examining the evolution, spread and management of herbicide resistant weeds. The research involves researchers at Lincoln University, Massey University, AgResearch, the Foundation for Arable Research, and PageBloomer Associates drawing on a wide range of expertise from molecular genomics, crop management, social science and big data mining and analysis. The Bio-Protection Research Centre, a New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence hosted by Lincoln University, finds innovative, natural and sustainable solutions to protect New ZealandâÂ?ÂTs plant-based, productive ecosystems from pests, diseases and weeds. We are now embarking of an ambitious 5-year multidisciplinary research programme examining the evolution, spread and management of herbicide resistant weeds. The research involves researchers at Lincoln University, Massey University, AgResearch, the Foundation for Arable Research, and PageBloomer Associates drawing on a wide range of expertise from molecular genomics, crop management, social science and big data mining and analysis. A major global trend is the increasing number of crop weeds that are becoming resistant to one or more herbicides and thus placing greater pressures on sustainable farming practices. Our research aims to understand the drivers of this trend in order to predict future weeds and inform more sustainable weed management. We are therefore seeking to appoint a high-calibre Postdoctoral Research Fellow to build and analyse large-scale datasets on the occurrence of herbicide-resistant weeds worldwide and use species ecological traits to develop risk models of the drivers of herbicide resistance in weeds. The candidate will join of one of the top plant invasion research groups worldwide, under the leadership of Distinguished Professor Philip Hulme. Working closely with WeedSMart LLC who curate the most comprehensive global database on herbicide-resistant weeds, the Postdoctoral Fellow will use machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to examine underlying patterns in the dataset that might assist in predicting the likelihood of herbicide resistance occurring in weeds across the world. Macroecological data will be integrated to explore external drivers of herbicide resistance evolution, which detailed life-history and phylogenetic data will aim to assess the ecological characteristics of herbicide-resistant weeds. To be considered for the role, you will have: * A PhD in plant ecology, statistics, geography or a related discipline * High level of competence in using analytical techniques including data mining tools, multivariate analysis, regression models, neural networks and/or artificial intelligence. * A strong record of peer reviewed publications in international journals * Skills in data management, including optimizing searches for online data, production of metadata, version control and archiving large datasets * A friendly, outgoing manner, with excellent communication skills * Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize your workload * Enjoy working in a collaborative team environment * Additional desirable skills include programming in R, C++ or Python and ability to use geographical information systems. Please apply online including cover letter, CV and names of three referees. Closing date 15th July 2019 https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__jobs.jobvite.com_lincolnuniversity_job_oPgiafwh_apply&d=DwIBaQ&c=nE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=dWvhVGYdXPgQj6pG0e9NFA&m=0zXYHMbvKtB4ElclhjjAVaOMVNYhZQnArqEKAOEXvBs&s=3BznYd0uhd7ZyNIcyVw_awZ9OFmuA1_Dh3RXB19OtyI&e= Philip E. Hulme Distinguished Professor of Plant Biosecurity Bio-Protection Research Centre Burns Building 432 P O Box 85084 Lincoln University Lincoln 7647, Christchurch New Zealand p +64 3 423 0902 | m +64 21 105 9211 | e [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Find us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter