Research Fellow in Digital Agricultural / Food Engineering

Job no: 0061740
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 2 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space
Salary: Level A - $80,258 - $108,906 p.a. (*PhD entry-level $101,460 p.a.) plus 17% super 

• Be a part of innovative projects in digital agriculture and AI technology for space sustainability. 
• Collaborate with NASA and a network of 35+ international partners. 
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families! 

About the Role
Join us at the forefront of agricultural innovation as a Research Fellow in Digital Agricultural/Food Engineering with the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S) at the University of Melbourne. 

In this role, you'll be a part of pioneering research in Artificial Intelligence-driven digital technologies, revolutionising agriculture for Earth and space. Collaborate with top experts, including NASA, and be part of a dynamic team creating sustainable plant-based solutions for space habitation while addressing global challenges.  

Embark on a transformative journey with us, where your ideas and expertise will drive meaningful change, both on Earth and beyond. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Significantly contribute towards the research effort of the team and to develop your research expertise with an increasing degree of autonomy. 
• Under the guidance and support of Senior Academic staff you are expected to contribute toward the team meeting research objectives, milestones and reporting schedules, including assisting in preparing written reports of the progress of research work, ensuring that the research data within these reports are presented in a publication-quality format.  
• Under the guidance and support of Senior Academic staff conduct internationally competitive research, resulting in publications in high impact journals. 
• Contribute to and publish academic papers and other scholarly outputs to a high academic standard in accordance with the research expectations of the University of Melbourne. 
• Actively participate in research seminars and conferences to disseminate research findings as opportunities arise. 

Who We Are Looking For
You will ideally have demonstrated experience in applying digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, coding, and software development and research experince related to agricultural and food production.  

Additionally, you should showcase the ability to conduct independent interdisciplinary research, collaborate effectively within diverse teams, administer research projects with limited supervision, and prioritise tasks to meet project objectives within tight timelines, thriving in a dynamic work environment. 

You will also have: 

• Completion (or near completion) of a PhD in a relevant discipline related to agriculture, food and plant sciences. 
• A demonstrated aptitude for research, with a sound publication record in relevant areas, commensurate with experience and opportunities.  This must be evidenced by a record of contribution in peer-reviewed journals (including Scopus h-index), book chapters, and conference papers.  
• Demonstrated ability to prepare research reports and manuscripts for publication. 

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD. 

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures. 

Please note: Visa sponsorship is available for this position.  

Your New Team – “The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space“
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space is a >$90 million initiative with more than 35 partners across Australia and around the world, including NASA. P4S aims to create on-demand, zero-waste, high-efficiency plants and plant products for food and beverages to address grand challenges in sustainability for Space and on Earth. The multi-disciplinary team in plant, food, and sensory science; process and systems engineering; law and policy; and psychology will deliver transformative solutions for Space habitation – and create enhanced plant-derived food and bioresources to capitalise upon emergent and rapidly expanding domestic and global markets. 

Science at Melbourne is a global leader across fundamental and impactful scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system. We aim to be leaders who positively impact the community locally and globally, addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us. 

What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits  page! 

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website  and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .    

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page. 

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at [email protected] , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request". 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne. 

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring  

Join Us! 

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:  

• Resume 

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience 

• Research statement explaining how your experience aligns with the requirements of the position. 

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Anna Gradoboeva via email at [email protected] , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address. 

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description. 

Position Description