Remuneration range $78, 231 to $130, 377 pa
Full-time fixed term appointment to 31 December 2021
Toowoomba or Springfield campus
Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is a dynamic regional University committed to developing research solutions that deliver a global impact. With a vision to be a leading discovery partner in priority research areas, USQ aligns its research with regional and global agendas in agriculture and natural resource management, regional development, regional health and wellbeing, engineering, education and digital literacy.

The Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems (CSAS) is focused on delivering applied, practical and profitable research solutions, addressing current and emerging national and global agricultural productivity and environmental management challenges. The CSAS is home to USQ’s world-class research groups in Agricultural Systems Modelling, Soil Science and Agricultural Landscapes and Environments.

A rewarding opportunity is currently available for a highly motivated researcher within the Agricultural Systems and Catchment Modelling group. The group brings together biophysical crop and soil modellers with software developers to develop new and novel applications of existing models as well as develop new models and tools.

One appointment will be made at either USQ Academic Level A or USQ Academic Level B depending on your qualifications and experience.

This position will be based at either Toowoomba or Springfield campus.

What you’ll do

Reporting to the Director (Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems), you will deliver research projects funded by the CRC for High Performance Soils using crop and soil modelling technologies and techniques, to improve the representation of soil constraints in agricultural systems models and decision support systems. In doing so, you will:

provide expertise crop and soil modelling approaches;
design of effective simulation experiments to develop and validate models for a range of soil constraints to crop production;
analyse scientific data and interpret results from research conducted;
support in the management/administration of appropriate projects;
contribute to and prepare progress reports, seminars, workshop presentations and research publications;
contribute to the delivery of high quality and comprehensive verbal and written reports;
Experience in the development of decision support systems and apps would be advantageous.

What will help you succeed?

Your energy and initiative, combined with your technical knowledge, skills and expertise in crop and soil modelling will be vital to your success in this role. In addition, you will have:

Possession of a Degree in Agricultural Science/Engineering or Environmental Science/Engineering or an equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution with subsequent experience or equivalent postgraduate qualifications (PhD) in a field relevant to the position;
Technical knowledge, skills and expertise in crop and soil modelling building on a variety of approaches (e.g. biophysical, statistical and artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) and familiarity with agronomy and soil science;
Experience in the application of software/programing languages (e.g. C#, R, XML) to research and agricultural modelling use cases;
High level communication and interpersonal skills, relating well to people at all levels, using diplomacy and tact, sound judgement on sensitive and confidential issues, and an ability to build constructive and effective relationships.
At the higher level, you will have a PhD in Agricultural Science/Engineering or Environmental Science/Engineering along with detailed technical knowledge, skills and expertise in crop and soil modelling building on a variety of approaches (e.g. biophysical, statistical and artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) and deep familiarity with agronomy and soil science.

The location

As a staff member of USQ, you will experience a range of rewarding career, financial and lifestyle benefits, including generous superannuation, professional development programs, discounted personal travel and health services and many work / life balance initiatives. You will also join a diverse, highly motivated and collaborative team of researchers - all while enjoying the relaxed lifestyle and family-friendly atmosphere afforded by living in Toowoomba.

USQ Toowoomba is located on the beautiful Darling Downs in Queensland. Situated on the edge of the picturesque Great Dividing Range, just one and a half hours west of Brisbane and only two hours from both the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Toowoomba offers all the benefits of urban living without any of the big-city pressures. With a population of approximately 160,000 residents, Toowoomba has an enviable reputation for quality of lifestyle and world-class education. Escape the pressures of big city life while still pursuing your career goals and enjoy all that this thriving regional community has to offer.

USQ Springfield’s ‘Community Centred – Career Focused’ theme provides a student focused environment with the latest in program delivery and technology. In addition to the USQ campus boasting state-of-the-art technology and facilities, the precinct includes childcare facilities, schools and colleges, a major retail and entertainment centre and a planned residential community with lots of open spaces including hike and bike trails, playgrounds and lakes and the Greg Norman-designed Brookwater Golf Course.

Reference Number: 103394

Term: Full-time fixed term appointment to 31 December 2021

Salary for Level A: Total remuneration range $78,231 to $104,951 pa (includes salary range of $66,103 to $88,681 pa, employer superannuation contributions of 17% of salary and annual leave loading)

Salary for Level B: Total remuneration range $110,305 to $130,377 pa (includes salary range of $93,205 to $110,165 pa, employer superannuation contributions of 17% of salary and annual leave loading)

Closes: Wednesday 19 June 2019

If you think you can bring this role to life, we invite you to submit your resume/CV along with your detailed response to the selection criteria. You can find out more about the role in the Position Description.

To apply, click here.