Ref 5353/22 Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plant Functional Ecology, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

• Hawkesbury Campus
• Remuneration Package: $127,812 to $150,817 p.a.
• Full-Time, Fixed-Term Position for 2 years

About Western

Working at Western Sydney University means you’ll be part of an organisation that’s ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide and is a research leader – with 85% of the University’s research being at or above world standard. We understand the key to your success is unlocking your true potential – just as we do with our students. Our 3,000 staff members work together to enable a dynamic, inclusive and innovative culture that is distinctly research-driven and student-centred.

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plant Functional Ecology will join a vibrant research team supported by an Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant, “Leaf and wood physiology and biomass allocation as drivers of plant growth”.

This project will investigate the interplay between physiological and morphological traits in driving the growth rates of plants, and their role in plant ecological strategies. New theories will be developed and tested using field data collected at sites across Australia, from the tropics to the far south, with parallel tests led by our collaborators at Tsinghua University.  This project will build a new understanding of how physiological and morphological traits of plants drive growth rates and reflect evolutionary adaptation to different environments. This is significant because growth rates are pivotal in vegetation ecology and a core element of plant ecological strategies. Expected outcomes include a new cost- benefit theory for plant form and function considered at the whole-canopy scale, with empirical tests from Australian and Chinese ecosystems and via global trait datasets.  Benefits include new approaches for predicting plant physiological properties and growth rates, and new knowledge crucial for understanding links between species traits, plant strategies and, ultimately, ecosystem productivity.

In this position you will take a leading role in this project, will work independently to coordinate all lab and field activities, refine experimental protocols (sapwood respiration; whole-plant allometry), and co-supervise research assistants and students, both in Australia and in China.

You will join an international project team of researchers including Distinguished Professor Ian Wright (WSU), Emeritus Professor Mark Westoby (Macquarie U) and A/Prof. Wang Han (Tsinghua U).  You will communicate findings at scientific meetings and publish research in high-impact international journals. A tailored career mentoring plan will be developed and will include opportunities to contribute to teaching and supervising Masters and PhD students as well as leadership and engagement.

Web: www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie  

For further information please refer to the Position Description.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 2 years based at the Hawkesbury Campus.

About You

You will hold a PhD degree in plant functional ecology or plant ecophysiology with expertise in measuring photosynthesis under field conditions, sapwood respiration under laboratory conditions, and construction/operation of custom made cuvettes used for gas exchange measurements made with Licor LI-6800 equipment.

You will also have expertise in field measurement/estimation of whole plant biomass allocation to different tissues and organs together with significant experience in organising field and lab based research, and supervising research staff and students under field and lab conditions.

Culture

Western Sydney University highly values equity and inclusiveness. We have a proud history of doing so and consider this an important part of our social and civic responsibilities as a University. We strive to contribute to tackling inequalities and promoting wellbeing within our own institution, the Greater Western Sydney region, nationally and internationally.

Remuneration Package: Level B $108,003 to $127,531 p.a. plus Superannuation and Leave Loading

Position Enquiries: Please contact Distinguished Professor Ian Wright via ian.j.wright@westernsydney.edu.au

Closing Date: 8:30pm, Tuesday 4 October 2022. 

Work rights for Australia
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. You must provide evidence of your working rights in Australia at time of application.

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Western Sydney University is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.

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