Grant-Funded Researcher A/B - School of Agriculture, Food and Wine

Job no:512014
Work type:Fixed term - Full-time
Campus:Adelaide
Categories:Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

(Level A6 – B3) $91,402 to $110,476 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, full-time position until June 2027 (4 years).

A unique four-year postdoctoral research position working at the forefront of agricultural systems modelling.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher specialising in agricultural systems modelling to join a dynamic multidisciplinary team that is working towards identifying the next frontier in dryland farming systems in Australia’s Southern Grains Region (SGR). This opportunity addresses a significant new investment for the grains industry made by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

The successful candidate will apply the process-based model Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) to evaluate a range of farming system performance metrics, and how they are affected by strategic decisions (e.g., enterprise choice), tactical decisions (e.g., nutrient application) and externalities (e.g., climate/weather). They will also apply APSIM in conjunction with tools to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from integrated crop-livestock systems, geographical information systems to transfer insights across the SGR beyond data-rich sites, and numerical software packages to identify optimal trade-offs between various profitability and sustainability objectives.

There will be significant opportunities to undertake original research and work with growers and agronomists in the grains industry to co-create innovative tools and solutions that will drive real-world impact through improved farm profitability and sustainability. 

The overarching aim of the project is to better understand the drivers of profitability and sustainability in farming systems within the SGR. The successful candidate will bring together, and build upon, insights from crop rotation trials and economic evaluations across South Australia and Victoria. As such, the candidate is expected to work closely with agronomists, modellers and economists within the research team, and liaise with farming systems groups and consulting agronomists who are part of the project.

To be successful in level A you will need:

• A PhD in a discipline related to agricultural science, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, biophysical modelling, statistical modelling or data science.
• Demonstrated experience in application of Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM).
• Demonstrated experience in statistical and computer programming and/or developing high-quality software packages.
• Knowledge of dryland farming systems and an ability to interact with growers and agronomists to deliver outcomes for their benefit.
• A publication record in scholarly journals relative to opportunity.
• Hold current rights to work in Australia

To be successful in Level B, you will need:

• A PhD in a discipline related to agricultural science, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, biophysical modelling, statistical modelling or data science.
• Demonstrated experience in application of Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM).
• Demonstrated experience in statistical and computer programming and/or developing high-quality software packages.
• Knowledge of dryland farming systems and an ability to interact with growers and agronomists to deliver outcomes for their benefit.
• A publication record in scholarly journals relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and deliver high-quality outputs;[MK1]  
• Ability to guide and oversee postgraduate students and supervise research support staff.
• Hold current rights to work in Australia

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Application close 11:55pm, 16 June 2023.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr Matthew Knowling
Lecturer, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
E: [email protected]

Dr Aaron Zecchin
Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering
E: [email protected]

Dr Glenn McDonald
Associate Professor, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
E: [email protected]

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

The University of Adelaide is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

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