Professor Bunce's research interests and expertise revolve around using DNA sequencing technologies on trace, environmental and forensic substrates to address a variety of biological questions.
He has worked on a diverse variety of projects with the common theme of extracting and amplifying degraded DNA - these include studies of extinct species, DNA from ice/sediment cores, environmental DNA and microbes.
Since 2019 Prof Bunce has worked as a science advisor in New Zealand, including as chief science advisor for the Department of Conservation.
Experience
2013–present
Professor of environmental genomics, Curtin University
2023–present
Chief Science Advisor, Department of Conservation
2022–2023
Principal Scientist (genomics), ESR
2020–2022
Seconded, Ministry of Health, NZ
2019–2021
Chief Scientist, NZ, EPA
2006–2013
ARC Future Fellow, Murdoch University
2005–2006
Post Doctoral Researcher, McMaster University, Canada
2002–2005
Post Doctoral Researcher, Oxford University
Education
2003
Australian National University, PhD
1998
Lincoln University, New Zealand, Bachelor of Science (1st Class Hons)