Research Fellow (Young People and Agriculture)

Job no: 0058920
Location: Parkville
Role type: Part time (0.8FTE); Fixed-term
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Agriculture and Food
Salary: Level B – $110,236 - $130,900 p.a. (pro rata for part time) plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About the Faculty of Science

https://science.unimelb.edu.au

Science at Melbourne is a global leader across fundamental and impactful scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system. We aim to be leaders who positively impact the community locally and globally, addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us.

Our strength is our breadth of expertise. We are the second largest faculty in the University comprising seven schools: Agriculture, Food, Forest & Ecosystems Sciences, BioSciences, Chemistry, Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics and Veterinary Science.

About the Role

The Research Fellow (Young people and agricultural careers) will provide excellence in research at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Science. The position will contribute research as part of an ARC Linkage project: Securing the next generation in farming and food careers.

The position will conduct social research with young people in Victoria to understand their experiences, constraints and enablers to establishing and thriving in a career in agriculture. The research will develop new theories related to young person’s engagement with agriculture and, in working closely with partner organisations, contribute to policy reforms in industry and government. The research fellow will work in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of Chief investigators and 9 partner organisations.  The position reports to the leader of the Rural Innovation Research Group who is also the named Chief Investigator for the project. 

This position will be primarily located at the Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne but will be expected to conduct extensive travel throughout Victoria as part of the research.

Responsibilities include:

• Undertaking independent research and ensuring findings are disseminated through seminars, conference presentations and maintain a sustained level of publications in peer-reviewed journals acknowledged as influential in expending the knowledge of the discipline
• Attracting and retaining research funding and conduct research relevant to the discipline, with an emphasis on protein foods
• Delivering against research objectives to meet project milestones and reporting schedules, as well as fully immersing in the research culture of the Faculty
• Assisting with the provision of leadership in the discipline and foster excellence in teaching and research

About You

You will possess expertise in engaged research/policy development with industry bodies and stakeholders and ability to foster collaborative partnerships. You will attract and provide supervision to completion of graduate research students and capacity to mentor and guide junior staff in their career pathways and development. You will have a high level organisational skills and record keeping capabilities as well as well as demonstrated ability to prioritise a range of tasks, manage time effectively and meet deadlines in a busy environment.

You will also have:

• An awarded PhD in social science in agriculture, natural resources management, rural sociology, human geography or a related field relevant to agriculture, demographic change and rural young people
• Demonstrated ability to undertake and communicate original and independent research, in a related area, evidenced by a record of contribution in peer reviewed journals, book chapters, conference papers as well as presentations to academic, industry and lay audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary research team to deliver high-quality research outcomes

To ensure the University continues to provide a safe environment for everyone, this position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.

Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia.

About the University

The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us

In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits.

Be Yourself

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact  us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au.

Applications close: 28th March 2023 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Position description: 0058920_Research Fellow (Young People and Agriculture)_PD.pdf