Research Projects Officer

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The opportunity

• Collaborate in scientific and technological activities with other research staff
• Work on laboratory and field-based research projects
• Travel to on-farm locations during seasonal demand

We’re currently seeking applications to fill the role of Research Projects Officer within the Agriculture and Food Business Unit. 

As part of the Resilient Systems Team in Adelaide, the Research Projects officer will work with experienced research technicians and scientists on a range of laboratory and field-based research projects aimed at improving the performance of Southern farming systems including the GRDC funded projects Sandy Soils II, Hyperyielding and Profitable Cereals, Canola Establishment and Long Coleoptile Wheats.

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary research team operating in collaboration with farmers, farming systems groups, research partners and agribusiness. The role will involve identifying experimental sites, preparation, establishment and maintenance of on-farm field experiments, field sampling and monitoring, lab-based sample preparation, soil and plant analysis, data management, and the use and maintenance of field monitoring and agricultural machinery. 

We are seeking a person who is passionate about agriculture with Bachelor level agronomic training and experience in the identification and treatment of constraints (eg. pests, diseases, nutrition, toxicities) to crop production.

You must be willing to travel to on-farm locations at short notice during seasonal demand.

Your duties will include:

•    Provide agronomic expertise in the assessment and treatment of constraints to crop productivity across the team’s portfolio of experiments and projects.

•    Under general supervision assist in the site preparation, establishment and maintenance of on-farm field experiments with plants and animals as test subjects, through delivery of field sampling and monitoring. 

•    Under limited supervision, design and perform straightforward experiments and routine laboratory analyses, design new processes or apparatus by adapting existing techniques and components to meet special circumstances or undertake modifications to methods requiring some innovation.

•    Design data recording and entry systems.

•    Conduct literature reviews, investigations and inspections in the field or laboratory including associated analysis possibly involving statistical or graphics software.

•    Perform some non-routine analyses or technology development using a range of techniques, often working on several parallel and competing tasks.

•    Work with discretion to decide on the timing of operations within the work team’s plan and plan to meet experimental and/or project demands. 

•    Oversee the activities of less experienced staff and provide guidance on experimental techniques and protocols as required.

•    Respond courteously and efficiently to client requests, maintaining clear communication regarding mutual expectations and monitoring client satisfaction. 

•    Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.

•    Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary research team to carry out tasks in support of CSIRO’s scientific objectives.

•    Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment procedures and policy, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals. 

Location: Waite Campus, Adelaide SA 
Salary: $70,874- $90,202 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified Term of 3 years, Full-time
Reference: 97739
 

To be considered you will need:

Essential

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Agriculture, Science or Natural Resource Management.
• Agronomic skills for the independent assessment and treatment of constraints to the production of grain crops.
• Demonstrated experience in research, development and extension relevant to improving agricultural systems in Australia.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental processes relevant to agricultural field and lab-based research (eg. quality sampling, measurement and data recording and analysis using Microsoft packages).
• Capable of working and communicating effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team and carrying out tasks under the direction of scientific researchers.
• Willingness to undertake field work in on-farm locations involving travel to rural regions, with flexible hours at short notice during times of seasonal demand including occasional overnight travel.
• A current driver’s licence and competency in driving agricultural machinery.

Desirable

• Skills in communicating outcomes of field-based experiments to growers.
• Experience and skills in soil and plant sampling and use of relevant analytical equipment.
• Experience and skills in laboratory processes relevant to agricultural research.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this position, you must be either an Australian Citizen, a New Zealand Citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

Thursday 3rd October 2024, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT