Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) - Soil Carbon

• Negotiable Part-time or Full-time (0.6 -1 FTE), Fixed Term position for 3 years
• Salary Academic Level A6 ($90,692 p.a.)+ 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
• Based at the Melbourne CBD campus

About You

Join the Soil-Atmosphere-Anthroposphere Lab at RMIT University to drive ground breaking research to ascertain the sampling protocols required to detect a statistically significant increase in soil carbon in agricultural ecosystems in south-eastern Australia. Working in partnership with AgriProve, the postdoctoral fellow will lead statistical analysis of existing data sets from several hundred farms and work with the team to analyse new results collected annually from 30 properties over three years. Regenerative agriculture or agroecology is the focal farming practice of this research. Satellite earth observation data and other existing spatial databases may also be used, in addition to topographic and climatic datasets, to inform the sampling design to ensure comprehensive, adequate and representative SOC measures across the range of influencing environmental conditions.

The approach that the Soil-Atmosphere-Anthroposphere Lab brings to all of our work involves combining rigorous independent science with deep stakeholder engagement and technical innovation. We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with strong mathematical expertise, outstanding written and oral communication skills, maturity and people skills. A farming background and experience in regenerative agriculture/agroecology would be an advantage. You will be joining a team that delivers impactful outputs, is attentive to deadlines, timely and sensitive communication and collaborative practices.

To be successful in this position, you'll meet the following Key Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication skills.
• Emerging publication record, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed international journals.
• Expertise in mathematical modelling and statistical data analysis as applied to agricultural systems
• Expertise in regenerative agriculture/agroecology and strong competency in R
• Experience in using spatial information and/or remote sensing data for environmental modelling and expertise in GIS packages such as ArcGIS, QGIS or equivalent would be an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills in a team setting across multiple locations and organisations
• Demonstrated ability to work sensitively, confidently and effectively with people from different cultures and across academia, industry and the farming community.
• Demonstrated organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines and effectively manage varying workloads and respond to changing priorities as required.
• Independent, highly self-motivated and flexible, with some prior experience living and working in agricultural ecosystems

Qualifications

Mandatory: PhD Qualification in mathematics as applied to agricultural ecosystems, Masters Qualification in Applied Mathematics, Bachelors Qualification in Applied Mathematics

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About STEM College

The STEM College holds a leading position and expertise in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health (STEM) fields. We are uniquely positioned to influence and partner with industry, as never before.

STEM College is a community of exceptional STEM researchers, teachers, inventors, designers and game-changers, supported by talented professional staff. We offer higher education programs across all STEM disciplines at the Bachelor, Master and PhD levels, and ensure our students experience an education that is work-aligned and life-changing.

The College is renowned for its exemplary research in many STEM areas including advanced manufacturing and design; computing technologies; health innovation and translational medicine; nano materials and devices; and sustainable systems. Our brilliant researchers attract funding from government and industry sources.

STEM College employs 1,000 staff who deliver onshore and offshore programs to approximately 20,000 students.

We are here to positively impact the world and create the next generation of STEM leaders. www.rmit.edu.au/seh

School of Science

The School of Science provides more than 45 bachelor and postgraduate programs to 5,000 students and undertakes world-class research across the disciplines of:

• biosciences and food technology
• applied chemistry and environmental science
• physics
• mathematical sciences
• geospatial sciences

To Apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the 'Apply' link below.

For further information about this position, please see Position Description below or contact Dr Samantha Grover via email at samantha.grover@rmit.edu.au

Position Description

Applications close on Friday 23 June 2023 at 11.59pm.

About RMIT University

RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise with more than 96,000 students and close to 10,000 staff globally. The University's mission is to help shape the world through research, innovation and engagement, and to create transformative experiences for students to prepare them for life and work.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/about
https://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/university/rmit-university

Why work at RMIT University

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RMIT has a strong dhumbali (commitment) to the employment, development and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within a culturally safe environment; we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with a disability to apply to RMIT. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Kassie (Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor), via talent.support@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

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