Senior Research Officer

Job no:513354
Work type:full time
Location:Crawley
Categories:Research support, Science

School of Molecular Sciences

• Contribute to innovating viticulture in northern Australia
• Full-time appointment on a 3-year fixed term basis with a potential opportunity for extension
• Base salary range: Level 7 $92,679 – $102,830 p.a. or Level 8 $103,364 - $112,981 p.a. plus 17% superannuation (appointment level will be depending on your skills and experience required for the position)

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

About the team

You will work within the School of Molecular Sciences, with two research centres; the UWA Institute of Agriculture (IOA) and the Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology (PEB). The IOA provides a strong intellectual and communication environment, while the PEB provides unrivalled research infrastructure in plant physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.

The IOA and PEB are committed to promoting sustainable productive agriculture for a growing world. We coordinate the teaching, graduate and postgraduate training, research and agribusiness activities, with integrated activities related to agriculture, land and water management, rural economy, policy and development, food and health.

About the opportunity

You will take a significant role in developing new management tools to boost yields of table grapes in northern Australia. You will have the strong support of peers, together with a strong research environment and operating capacity. You will coordinate the design and execution of experiments in table grape vineyards and glasshouses, ensuring the fidelity of sampling, transport, wet chemistry and further analysis of samples, whether in-lab or out-sourced. You will build knowledge of climate acclimation in perennial crops and communicate findings for publication in industry and scientific journals. You will work in a small team and be required to communicate effectively with project and industry staff and students. You will be well-supported to publish high quality outcomes and build your research profile.

About you 

We are seeking a confident researcher with a strong technical ability, a sound understanding of plant eco-physiology and experience in relevant research methods.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• Relevant graduate qualification in plant biology (i.e., eco-physiology or agronomy) or a related discipline
• Considerable relevant research experience at an appropriate level
• Laboratory analytical skills in physiology, chemistry or biochemistry
• Data management, record keeping and reporting skills
• Knowledge and awareness of personal and team safety management in a range of working environments
• Knowledge of a field of plant biology or ecology relevant to the task, together with associated analytical approaches (desirable)
• Ability in applied statistics and knowledge of or ability to learn the statistical language (desirable)
• Ability in analytical chemistry/ biochemistry and/ or plant ecophysiology (desirable)
• Working knowledge of perennial horticulture phenology and physiology (desirable)
• Working knowledge of plant molecular biology and signalling (desirable)

Note: A current “C” class driver’s licence is a requirement of this position. Occasional travel within the state may be required.

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:   PD - Senior Research Officer Level 7 or 8 513354.pdf

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria .

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Wednesday, 8 February 2023

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Dr Michael Considine on [email protected]

This position is open to international applicants.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace.  We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution.  We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for child 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity. 

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.

Advertised:09 Jan 2023 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:08 Feb 2023 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time