Research Assistant

• Full time, fixed term until 31st December 2025. Located at the University of Sydney’s International Centre for Crop Breeding and Digital Agriculture, Narrabri

• Exciting opportunity to contribute to research in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences

• Base Salary $79,717 - $89,256 p.a. (HEO5) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Life and Environmental Sciences is currently seeking a Research Assistant to support digital agriculture and cover cropping research based out of the University of Sydney’s recently opened International Centre for Crop Breeding and Digital Agriculture in Narrabri. The role will primarily focus on the day-to-day management, monitoring, and associated laboratory work of field trials on University properties in Narrabri and Spring Ridge. Less frequently, the position will require travel to and the monitoring of commercial farm sites that could range from central Queensland to the NSW-Victorian border.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• carry out literary searches, collect papers, code information, summarise literature, for the Chief Investigator and/or Academics of the School

• support the design of research work being undertaken in the work area

• undertake specific research activity as part of the broader research agenda

• maintain research laboratory, oversee operations and student research activity

• ensure that ethics guidelines, standards and WHS requirements are met

• conduct soil and plant field sampling and proximal sensing using a variety of instruments

• conduct general soil, grain, and fiber wet and dry laboratory work

• conduct NIR, MIR, and Xray fluorescent spectroscopy of soil and grain.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for an Research Assistant who has:

• experience in a research-intensive and self-directed laboratory environment or similar

• extensive experience in developing and working on research projects, expertise in using research protocols, experimental design, ethics submissions and grant applications, or similar

• working understanding of relevant aspects of the Work Health and Safety Policy and relevant legislation, including Safe Laboratory Practices, as applicable to the work environment

• experience in carrying out literary searches, and preparing literary reviews for further analysis

• the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters

• a strong interest in Digital and Regenerative Agriculture and natural capital monitoring is desirable.

• a valid drivers license is required.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Nicole Turle, Recruitment Consultant. Recruitment Operations, Human Resources by email [email protected]

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Wednesday 17 May 2023 11:59 PM