Research Fellow, Soil Biogeochemist

Australian Rivers Institute
The Australian Rivers Institute  (ARI) was formed in 2006 and is one of Australia’s largest university aquatic ecosystem research groups with globally recognised expertise in river, catchment and coastal ecosystems and the interaction with these systems in society.  ARI combines outstanding scholarship with making a significant contribution to society through providing knowledge and advice. ARI’s talented researchers offer essential insights into the water cycle’s linkages, interconnectedness, and interdependencies.  

We undertake research to national and international standards, achieving the highest quality outcomes.  We aggregate research activities, attract external funding exceeding national averages, and actively partner with industry, government, and the broader scientific community to meet the challenge of balancing humanity’s growth whilst maintaining functional ecosystems and associated services. 

We support high-quality research training for Higher Degree Research students and provide a supportive and productive research environment, including mentoring for early career researchers. 

The Institute has over 180 staff and postgraduate students across the University’s Nathan and Gold Coast campuses and hosts the International Water Centre , Coastal Management Research Centre  and the Sustainable Water Future Programme . We undertake high-quality research and postgraduate training in freshwater and estuarine ecology, catchment processes and water resource management. 

About the opportunity
We are looking for a Research Fellow to contribute to externally funded, multiple-disciplinary research projects in the area of  soil science, soil health, microbial ecology, agricultural sciences and machine learning to develop novel understanding of how soil system responds to the environmental stressors and constraints.  

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Design and conduct laboratory research, glasshouse and field experiments that contributes to the research objectives of the externally funded projects.
• Collect, analyse and interpret the data from laboratory, glasshouse experiments;
• Develop a good publication record in high impact, international, esteemed peer-reviewed journals. Manage and contribute towards the preparation and formulation of publications, figures and maps, presentations and research reports arising from the research.
• Assist with the development of research proposals, as appropriate.

This is a full-time, fixed term (12 months) position based at the Griffith University Nathan campus.

About you
To be successful within this role, you will be able to work with a diverse group of researchers and other stakeholders to develop novel knowledge on how soil system responds to the environmental stressors and constraints. You are expected to have experience and skills in the multiple-disciplinary areas of soil science, microbial ecology and agricultural science with some experience in machine learning. You have a passion for using applied science to inform agricultural industries and farming groups, with a strong desire to build a career within soil and agriccultural sciences.

Salary range
The base salary for a Research Fellow (Grade 1) is in the range $78,437 – $91,879 per annum, plus salary package including 17% employer superannuation. The total package is in the range $91,771 – $107,498 per annum.

How to apply
Please submit your application online and ensure your application includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, in particular addressing the Key Responsibilities listed in the Position Description (Research Fellow_PD )
• Current curriculum vitae/resume which should include:

• Full name, address, telephone number and email address;
• Details of education, professional training and qualifications;
• Employment history, including present position and details of relevant professional, consulting or industry experience;
• Research interests and list of publications;
• Research grants awarded and any other relevant information, such as offices held in professional bodies, community services etc.

Note:  Application attachments should be saved as .doc, .docx or .pdf only.  File names should be no more than 25 characters long and should include letters and numbers only.

Applicants must have unrestricted work rights for the duration of this appointment. Visa sponsorship is not available.

What Griffith University Offers

• Flexible working options and genuine work-life balance
• Salary packaging options & corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page.

Griffith’s strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

Further information
For further information about this role, please contact Professor Chenrong Chen, Australian Rivers Institute via c.chen@griffith.edu.au

For application support, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner on (07) 373 56549 or via t.burke@griffith.edu.au

Closing date:  Friday, 7 October 2022 at 5 pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.