• Use your knowledge of Australian dryland farming systems to carry out impactful research
• Publish research findings in quality peer-reviewed journals
• Launch your research career at CSIRO - World-class science; World-class connections!

The position:

CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowships help facilitate the recruitment and development of our potential leaders.  They provide valuable opportunities for scientists and engineers to launch their careers, extend professional networks and enhance their career prospects.

In the low rainfall farming systems of Australia’s Western region, farmers need a broad, flexible, suite of cropping options to exploit favourable price and climate signals. CSIRO is conducting research into Low Rainfall Farming Systems to increase the resilience of the farming system.  On-row seeding systems, that sow a crop directly into the row occupied by the crop sown in the previous season, potentially offer many benefits to the germination and establishment of the current crop. The changes in soil properties that such a system confers may offer an advantage to pulse crops such as Lentils and Chickpeas, which historically have not been widely grown in Western Australian farming systems.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow with CSIRO Agriculture and Food, you will evaluate this concept to enhance the adaptation of legume crops in Western Australia. Using a range of field based techniques to monitor plant growth and soil water, you will apply your knowledge to develop a farming systems package to enhance the adaptation of legume crops to WA farming systems. Ideally you will have the ability to undertake (or at least have an awareness of) the extension of field based research into crop models.

Specifically you will:

• Undertake literature reviews and use simulation modelling to develop hypotheses investigating on on-row and off row seeding system for legume crops.
• Deploy crop models, to evaluate legume crop production in Western Australia.
• Conduct field experiments to evaluate the on-row and off-row effects on the establishment, water use and growth and grain yield of high value grain legumes.
• With scientific guidance and technical support, evaluate the efficacy of these approaches using field experiments and simulation modelling.
• Engage clients and interact with farmers and industry consultants to deliver results.
• Publish results of research in scientific journals and prepare appropriate papers for presentation at conferences.
• Interact with scientists within the group and across CSIRO to identify future research opportunities.

Location:      Floreat (Perth) Western Australia
Salary:          AU $83k to AU $91k per annum, plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:         3 year term
Job ref:         56840

As a minimum requirement, you will hold a doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as Agricultural Science, Crop Physiology, Farming Systems, Crop Modelling, Soil Science.. You will also have:

• High-level communication and team skills, including a record of publications in quality journals and a history of professional behaviours.
• The ability to design and undertake field experiments including the ability to quantitatively analyse data.
• An understanding of Australian dryland farming systems and an ability to interact with farmers and deliver outcomes for their benefit.
• A record of science innovation and creativity.

To see all the criteria required for success in this role, click on the ‘Position Details’ link below. Apply today!

Position Details

To be eligible for this postdoctoral fellowship, you must have less than 3 years of relevant research experience since gaining your PhD.

About CSIRO

We imagine. We collaborate. We innovate. At CSIRO, we do the extraordinary every day. We innovate for tomorrow and help improve today – for our customers, all Australians and the world. We do this by using science and technology to solve real issues. Diversity is the compass that navigates our innovation. We provide an inclusive workplace that respects, values and actively pursues the benefits of a diverse workforce - CSIRO

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you.  Find out more Balance

How to apply: Please load one document containing your CV and a brief cover letter which outlines your interest in the role and your motivations for applying (Maximum 2MB). At the end of the online application process, you will also be required to respond to some screening questions. 

Applications close: Sunday 1 July, 2018 (11:59pm AEST)

We reserve the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date.