Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Full-time, fixed-term position until 31 December 2026
Base salary will be in the range $91,658.60- $98,330.37+ 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
Based at Gatton campus
About This Opportunity
The role will be based at the UQ Gatton Campus and will interact closely with QAAFI scientists at St Lucia and Warwick by primarily supporting the ongoing management and implementation of detailed sorghum and wheat trials in Gatton, St Lucia and Warwick. This role will involve implementing complex agricultural experiments, management of data, implementing new and novel digital approaches to collect data and understanding the physiology and water relations in cereal crops.
Key responsibilities will include:
Perform experiments and routine laboratory analyses, under supervision of Senior Staff.
Assist the team in implementing complex field and controlled environment experimentation.
Collect data using autonomous robots and sophisticated equipment.
Carry out and coordinate observations, many with complex instrumentation, following project protocols and carry out electronic data handling and data checking.
Assist with agricultural management of crops (e.g., sowing, harvesting, monitoring) and experimental site management and follow agreed protocols to collect soil, root & plant samples and prepare these for analysis.
Conduct simple modelling tasks using the APSIM model with support from senior staff members.
Undertake and complete tasks often with competing timeframes, working with discretion to decide on the timing of operations within the work team's plan and plan ahead to meet experiment and/or project demands.
Maintain laboratory consumables, fieldwork machinery/equipment and consumables and scheduling and instructing staff in the use of shared equipment.
Maintain confidentiality when dealing with commercially sensitive information.
Oversee the activities of a number of staff and provide guidance on experimental/ technological techniques and protocols as required.
Support PhD students in their experimental work.
Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice.
Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, nationally dispersed research team to carry out tasks in support of the project's scientific objectives.
Travel between St Lucia, Gatton and Warwick
Safety
Ensures a high standard of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage and chemical/specimen/sample inventory management
Assists with developing a proactive safety culture and implement continuous improvement
About UQ's Gatton Campus
https: // www. youtube.com/watch?v=Rz0lmtJ3YQg
Established over 125 years ago, UQ's Gatton Campus has a long history – from starting out as a dedicated agricultural institution, to being a field hospital during WWII, and to joining the UQ community in 1990.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join an organisation where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued, and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
Free parking and intercampus bus
On campus childcare, medical clinic, and post office
26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
17% superannuation contributions
17.5% annual leave loading
UQ Study for Staff
25% discount on eligible UQ Vets services
Access to our $4.1 million UQ Sports facility
Volunteer in our community garden
About You
A relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant work experience in field crops.
Proven ability to carry out experiments with field crops and take physiological observations including phenology, biomass and partitioning, use proximal canopy and soil sensors, and conduct soil characterisations.
Demonstrated experience with implementation of experimental procedures including accurately managing data and records of varying types.
Demonstrated ability to follow protocols to collect soil & plant samples and prepare them for analysis.
Demonstrated ability in aspects of project management such as scheduling, monitoring and completing tasks on time coupled with the ability to prioritise tasks/projects to achieve project goals.
Excellent oral and written communication skills coupled with excellent attention to detail.
The ability to work effectively as part of a diverse multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional team.
Be highly motivated and disciplined to carry out autonomous activities and be able to problem solve.
A current class C driver's licence.
Desirable
APSIM modelling.
Experience with agronomy and management of grain crops.
Experience with any programming language will be considered a plus.
The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks including, Right to work in Australia, criminal history and education checks.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Daniel Rodriguez via [email protected].
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You' section
Resume
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close 27 February 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-48002).