GRDC SENIOR LECTURER IN AGRONOMY/PLANT-SOIL-MICROBE NTERACTIONS
NARRABRI, NSW
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
REFERENCE NO. 1384/0811

The Faculty of Agriculture and Environment (FAE) seeks to make an appointment in the area of agronomy / plant-soil-microbe interactions to significantly enhance research on plant-soil-microbe interactions at the IA Watson Grains Research Centre in Narrabri, NSW. The position will be based at Narrabri with some teaching and research activities to be conducted in Sydney.

Strong candidates will have a background relevant to field studies of major plant diseases in the region (including crown rot and root lesion nematodes) and the role of beneficial organisms and interactions that improve the properties of soil that relate to greater efficiency of crop nutrient and water use. This may necessitate the use, and further development of, appropriate molecular tools for the functional characterization of microbial communities and techniques for quantifying soil physical properties.

You will undertake research in these areas and will interact with current research teams in both the FAE and the Faculty of Science. You will be expected to develop new teaching for undergraduate students, supervise research projects at Honours and postgraduate levels, and help develop workshops, seminars and master-classes for stakeholders including industry and growers, and that serve the Faculty interest in developing its national and international profile. Interaction with regional and national stakeholders will be essential.

In consultation with Professor Richard Trethowan, the Director of IA Watson Grains Research Centre at Narrabri, you will be expected to provide help and advice to the Operations Committee on best-practice agronomic management. This will require knowledge of practical agronomy of wheat and other cropping systems, including till and no-till systems. From time to time, you may also be required to provide similar advice regarding other university properties in the region that contribute to the aims of GRDC funded research. Working in close collaboration with the GRDC funded Senior Lecturer in Agronomy/Crop Physiology; you will supervise technical staff and assist postdoctoral researchers funded by the GRDC and postgraduate students.

You will have:
 • a PhD degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• a significant publication record
• demonstrated research capability in plant-soil-microbe interactions
• an established track record in attracting competitive research funding
• a significant teaching portfolio
• demonstrated teaching and communication skills
• strong desire to interact and conduct research with relevant stakeholders including industry and growers
• a valid driver licence (accessing rural and remote areas is required).

Desirable criteria include: experience working with industry, such as plant breeding companies.

The Faculty has established strengths in modelling, soil science, plant pathology, plant breeding (including legumes), precision agriculture, spatial information systems and agricultural and resource economics. You will support cognate research in areas such as carbon sequestration in soils, providing relevant expertise in plant-soil-microbe relations and will develop appropriate units of study.

The position is initially full time fixed-term for five years subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation with possibility of further offer to continuing employment subject to performance and confirmation period. Visa sponsorship and some relocation expenses support will be available if required.

Remuneration package: up to $147K p.a. (consisting of a base salary level C, leave loading and 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation). Level of appointment will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.   Visit sydney.edu.au/positions and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

CLOSING DATE: 22 July 2012 (Sydney time 11:30pm)

The University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged as they are underrepresented in this field.

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