Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led university, located at the heart of Australia’s fastest growing and economically significant Western Sydney region. Boasting 10 campuses - many in CBD locations – and more than 170,000 alumni, 44,000 students and 3,000 staff, the University has 14 Schools with an array of well-designed programs and courses carefully structured to meet the demands of future industry. The University is ranked in the top two per cent of Universities worldwide and as a research leader, 80 per cent of the University’s assessed research is rated at ‘World Standard’ or above.

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is an institute within the Western Sydney University. The Institute conducts fundamental and applied research in a range of areas that include ecology, physiology, genetics, and climate change biology. In the space of just a few years, the Institute has rapidly become a leading centre of excellence in ecosystem function and environmental responses to changing climates with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, the Institute collaborates with Australian and international institutions.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellows in Modelling Australian Vegetation Dynamics are appointed as part of an ARC-funded Laureate fellowship awarded to Distinguished Professor Belinda Medlyn.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Modelling Australian Vegetation Dynamics will contribute to the development of a new dynamic vegetation model with a focus on Australian ecosystems. The position will involve data analysis, data-model synthesis and model development and evaluation, focusing on a particular aspect of vegetation dynamics (e.g. growth, reproduction, disturbance, biotic interactions). The overall project aims to develop a quantitative model that draws together theory and evidence spanning physiology, ecology and biogeochemistry to explore and predict Australian vegetation dynamics.

Two fellowships are available at Academic Level A, and one at Academic Level B. In addition to the above, the Academic Level B position will have responsibility for coordination across the research team, providing support for Professor Medlyn.

All positions are based at the Hawkesbury Campus and will interact with a large team of outstanding researchers in ecosystem modelling, plant physiology, and ecosystem ecology.

To facilitate the broad uptake of the model, fellows will contribute to the development of outreach and training programs. Opportunities will also exist to contribute to the Institute’s teaching effort at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including opportunities for mentoring or supervising Higher Degree Research students.

Web: www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie

This is a Full-Time, Fixed-Term position for 5 years based at the Hawkesbury Campus.

Remuneration Package:

Academic Level A $96,777 to $116,921 p.a. (including salary $81,778 to $98,800 p.a., plus 17% Superannuation and Leave Loading)

Academic Level B $122,848 to $144,960 p.a.(including salary $103,808 to $122,578 p.a., plus 17% Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Position Enquiries: Distinguished Professor Belinda Medlyn via email b.medlyn@westernsydney.edu.au

Closing Date: 8:30pm, Sunday 31st January 2021