*POSITION DESCRIPTION *
*Job Title: *
Research Fellow – Plant and Crop Modelling
*Organisation Unit: *
ARC Centre of Excellence in Translational Photosynthesis
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
*Position Number: *
3027537
*Type of Employment: *
Full-time, fixed term for 3-years with the possibility of extension
*Classification: *
Academic Level A/B
*Job application:*
http://jobs.uq.edu.au/caw/en/job/496485/research-fellow-plant-and-crop-modelling
*POSITION DESCRIPTION *
*Job Title: *
Research Fellow – Plant and Crop Modelling
*Organisation Unit: *
ARC Centre of Excellence in Translational Photosynthesis
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
*Position Number: *
3027537
*Type of Employment: *
Full-time, fixed term for 3-years with the possibility of extension
*Classification: *
Academic Level A/B
*BACKGROUND *
*Organisational Environment *
The Federal Government’s 2012 Excellence in Research for Australia
exercise confirmed The University of Queensland as one of the nation’s
top three universities, measured by the quality of its comprehensive
range of specialised research fields. ERA reported that research at UQ
is well above world standard in more specialised fields than at any
other Australian university: this reflects UQ’s leading global role in
many areas of discovery. UQ’s outstanding critical mass offers
researchers significant interdisciplinary capability.
UQ integrates its research strengths with excellent teaching and
learning and has won more national teaching awards than any other
Australian university. International university rankings highlight UQ’s
excellence: Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Jiao Tong),
Times Higher Education, QS and National Taiwan University Ranking all
rank UQ in the top 100. UQ is one of Australia’s Group of Eight, and a
founding member of Universitas 21, an international consortium of
leading research-intensive universities.
UQ’s 45,500-strong student community includes more than 10,000
postgraduate scholars and more than 11,000 international students from
162 countries. The University has more than 7,000 academic and
professional staff and a $1.6 billion annual operating budget. Its major
campuses are at St Lucia, Ipswich, Gatton and Herston, in addition to
teaching and research sites around Queensland and Brisbane city. The
University has six faculties and eight institutes. The institutes —
funded by government and industry grants, philanthropy and
commercialisation activities — have built scale and focus in research
areas that UQ regards as strategically important.
*The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation *
The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) is a
unique research institute in Australia as it is a jointly funded
initiative of UQ and the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry (DAFF). QAAFI conducts research and development to benefit
the food and fibre sector both nationally and internationally. With more
than 100 staff, 120 higher degree research students, and over $20M in
external research income, QAAFI has contributed significantly to UQ
being recognised as one of the top 50 universities in the world for Life
and Agricultural Sciences, and a top three university in Australia.
The Institute’s strengths are reflected in its three research centres –
the /Centre for Plant Science/, the /Centre for Animal Science /and the
/Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences/. QAAFI brings together
scientists from UQ and DAFF to conduct high-end science that delivers
high impact outcomes for industry and the community.
Details of the research interests of the Institute may be accessed on
the Institute’s web site at
http://www.qaafi.uq.edu.au
*Information for Prospective Staff *
Information can be found at http://www.uq.edu.au/uqjobs/
Schedule 10 of The University of Queensland Enterprise Agreement 2010 –
2013 outlines the position classification standards for Levels A to E.
*DUTY STATEMENT *
*Primary Purpose of Position *
The position of postdoctoral research fellow in Plant and Crop Modelling
is responsible for developing and applying a comprehensive and dynamic
crop model linking leaf level photosynthetic biochemistry to crop growth
and yield in major cereals.
*Position environment *
The Centre for Plant Science in QAAFI houses the UQ node of the recently
approved ARC Centre for Excellence in Translational Photosynthesis, with
ANU as lead institution. The Centre of Excellence links fundamental and
applied research projects at the leading edge of photosynthesis
research. This position will work with lead scientists at UQ and ANU to
further develop and utilise advanced modelling approaches operating
across scales of biological organisation to allow testing and analysis
of potential changes in photosynthetic traits. UQ is a core partner in
the APSIM initiative (www.apsim.info), which is responsible for the
on-going development of the APSIM crop simulation platform that will
underpin this research.
*Duties *
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
*Research *
Develop a dynamic crop simulation model capable of linking leaf level
photosynthetic biochemistry to crop growth and yield
Undertake simulation analyses of likely effects of putative variations
in C3 and C4 photosynthesis pathways on crop growth and yield
Conduct research and publish scholarly papers in peer-reviewed journals
that contribute to the Centre’s research strategies.
Supervise Honours students and (where appropriate) Research Higher
Degree students.
*Other *
Actively contribute to engagement events and activities to promote the
Centre, Institute and University. Participate in relevant seminar
programs and broader educational activities.
Perform a range of administrative functions and other duties consistent
with the level of appointment.
Comply with the University’s Code of Conduct (see the University’s web
site at http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/?page=24987)
Comply with requirements of Queensland occupational health and safety
(OH&S) legislation and related OH&S responsibilities and procedures
developed by the University or School. (see the University’s web site at
http://www.uq.edu.au/ohs/index.html?page=133956)
Adopt sustainable practices in all work activities and comply with
associated legislation and related sustainability responsibilities and
procedures developed by the University (see the University’s web site at
http://www.uq.edu.au/sustainability/responsibilities
*Reporting Relationships *
The position reports to Professor Graeme Hammer.
*SELECTION CRITERIA *
*Qualifications *
/Essential /
A PhD in the area of Plant/Crop Modelling or a related field.
*Knowledge and Skills *
/Essential /
Ability to conduct high quality plant/crop physiology research
Knowledge of photosynthesis and plant/crop modelling
Ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams
Excellent written communication, with an ability to clearly convey the
desired message to a wide audience.
*Experience *
/Essential /
Experience in design and application of plant/crop models
Evidence of a contribution to research by producing quality journal
articles
/Desirable /
Experience in liaising and collaborating with external agencies to
develop co-operative research initiatives.
*Personal Qualities *
/Essential /
Ability to work collaboratively as an effective team member within an
academic and professional environment
High level of effective communication and interpersonal skills
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