• SCHOOL OF SCIENCE – SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS DISCIPLINE
• JOONDALUP CAMPUS 
• ALEVB $105,832 TO $125,043 
• FULL TIME, FIXED TERM (3 YEARS)

Overview

The PEAT | Protecting Peatland Ecosystems and Addressing Threats  project, co-led by Edith Cowan University and UWA, and guided by elders - a collaboration between academic and community-based scientists, managers, and volunteers, including the Undalup Association, the Department of Biodiversity, Conversation and Attractions, the Western Australian Museum and the Walpole-Nornalup National Park Association is seeking a highly motivated candidate to work in the areas of modelling the spatial distribution of peatlands and their hydrology throughout the Walpole Wilderness Area (WWA).

Southwestern Australia is losing its extensive peat ecosystems to climate change, changed fire regimes, and damage from introduced and feral species. A unique, slow-forming habitat harbouring endemic microbes, plants and animals, peatlands (wetlands with organic-rich soils) are increasingly vulnerable due to altered hydrological regimes (declining rainfall and groundwater). These processes are drying soils and vegetation, which is making peats susceptible to burning when previously they were resilient. In some instances, this is leading to irreversible loss of carbon stores and wetland functions. To better manage these systems in the face of a changing climate an intimate knowledge of their characteristics, spatial distribution and hydrology is required.

The candidate will have a significant role in designing and managing specific experiments to determine peat types, the spatial distribution of peats in the WWA and the various hydrological regimes that support peat systems in the WWA. A main role will involve integrating digital soil modelling (DSM) and hydrology into a cohesive, holistic predictive model that can be used to develop risk mitigation strategies. Additionally, the candidate will have a role in supervising HDR students involved in different aspects of the project

Skills & Experience

• PhD degree in hydrology, soil science, water chemistry, fire ecology, or related fields.
• Extensive experience and proficiency in spatial analytics and programming.
• Some experience with conceptual and mathematical modelling.
• Strong interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Proficient in water, soil, and plant sampling techniques.
• Demonstrated evidence of contribution to previous research projects.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative. 
• Ability to participate in remote fieldwork without supervision. 
• Valid driving license. 

You will also demonstrate personal attributes that are congruent with the University’s values of Integrity, Respect, Rational Inquiry Personal Excellence and Courage.

Benefits & Remuneration

This full time, fixed term position (3 years) attracts remuneration of $105,832 to $125,043 (Level B) plus 17% University superannuation contribution.

ECU supports a work/life balance for staff. Benefits such as flexible working arrangements may also be negotiated to meet your personal circumstances.

ECU has an Award-winning Health and Wellness Program and an extensive range of staff benefits across entertainment, financial, health, travel and consumer goods and services.

For information on the benefits of working at ECU, please visit our website Employment Opportunities Overview.

Contact

Interested applicants are welcome to call Dr Dave Blake at d.blake@ecu.edu.au for more information.

How to Apply

Upon application, please include a cover letter describing your interest in the field and your career vision for yourself, an up-to-date CV, an academic transcript, and relevant supporting documents of prior research.

Closing Date:

Applications close on Wednesday 28th June 2023 at 11:30 pm AWST.

ECU is a diverse and inclusive workplace reflecting the differences in society. Specific strategies and initiatives are in place to address underrepresentation of specific groups. Applications are encouraged from suitably qualified people from all backgrounds. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.