Technical Officer (Graduate Research Assistant)

Job no:513454
Work type:full time
Location:Crawley
Categories:Technical/Laboratory support, Science

UWA School of Agriculture and Environment

• Gain hands-on experience in conducting field experiments, the use of 15N isotopes for tracing the fate of N fertiliser, and techniques for measuring ammonia volatilisation losses from soil
• Level 5, full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 3 years
• Base salary range: $73,982 - $81,999 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

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

The UWA School of Agriculture and Environment is located in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Surrounded by a wealth of agricultural, natural and mining resources, our location allows us to produce innovative research with worldwide application.

Our teaching and research benefit from a network of national and international collaborators, and our strong industry and government links are producing change in agricultural and environmental management, regional development, and urban policy and planning.  We have a strong track record in PhD supervision and external research grant success. The Australian Research Council rated Agricultural Science at UWA as 'above world standards' and Environmental Science at UWA as 'well above world standards' during the most recent Excellence in Research Australia assessment.

About the opportunity

In this position, you will be providing support and assistance to field experiments at four locations (Esperance, Merredin, Pingelly, Wongan Hills) located in the Western Australian grainbelt. You will assist in the implementation of the collection and analyses of soil and plant samples. You will gain experience in conducting field experiments, the use of 15N isotopes for tracing the fate of N fertiliser, and techniques for measuring ammonia volatilisation losses from soil. You will be part of a national project funded by the Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC) investigating the fate of N fertiliser applied to Australian dryland cropping systems.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Science or Science Agriculture Honours, or demonstrated equivalent 
• Experience in the collection of soil (from the surface and subsoil) and plant samples from field experiments
• Experience with preparing and analysing soil and plant samples for analysis of nutrients and other properties
• Experience with collating and maintaining accurate records of procedures and results, including data entry and sample archiving
• Experience with safe general laboratory and field work practices
• An understanding of Western Australian cropping systems is desirable
• Experience with driving in country Western Australia is desirable

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:   PD - Technical Officer (Graduate Research Assistant) 513454.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 Monday, 30 January 2023

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Louise Barton on [email protected]

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

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:16 Jan 2023 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:30 Jan 2023 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time