Technical Officer - Nitrogen cycling and loss
Locations: Gatton Campus
Time Type: Full time
Posted On: Posted 4 Days Ago
Job Requisition ID: R-42407
School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
Full-time fixed-term position through to end of June 2027
Base salary will be in the range $78,944.40 - $87,750.37 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)
Based at Gatton Campus
About This Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for you to play a critical role in supporting research in soil-plant nitrogen dynamics within intensive broadacre crop production systems. The position provides support and technical expertise to ensure successful research outcomes across laboratory, controlled environment, and field-based agronomic experiments at all stages of the research life cycle.
Key Responsibilities will include:
- Coordinates aspects of field research activity that relates to the establishment and monitoring of field experiments, monitoring of fertiliser nitrogen recovery and loss and collating field and analytical data for reporting and publication.
- Assists in the design of research studies, under supervision of senior staff.
- Applies and/or instructs others on the application of advanced or specialist or technical research skills or processes, including processing and handling of stable isotope-enriched soil and plant samples and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions from field microplots.
- Assists in the conduct of major or complex experiments, tasks or programs that relate to soil and plant Nitrogen acquisition, cycling and loss.
- Troubleshoots issues with scientific/technical equipment.
- Undertakes maintenance and upkeep of facilities and equipment.
Safety
- Contributes to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies and protocols.
- Ensures the appropriate storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, equipment, stores and/or samples/specimens.
Research and Administrative Support
- Assists with routine team administration.
- Assists with preparing reports, graphs, figures and presentations on research outcomes at different stages of the research cycle outcomes.
About UQ’s Gatton Campus
Established over 125 years ago, UQ’s Gatton Campus has a long history – from starting out as a dedicated agricultural institution, to being a field hospital during WWII, and to joining the UQ community in 1990.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join an organisation where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued, and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
- Free parking and intercampus bus.
- On campus childcare, medical clinic, and post office.
- 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave.
- 17% superannuation contributions.
- 17.5% annual leave loading.
- UQ Study for Staff.
- 25% discount on eligible UQ Vets services.
- Access to our $4.1 million UQ Sports facility.
- Volunteer in our community garden.
About You
- Completion of a relevant degree in agronomy, soil or plant science OR equivalent relevant experience and/or education/training.
- Demonstrated research-relevant knowledge and skills with expertise in specialist or general research techniques relevant to laboratory, controlled environment, and field-based agronomic experiments.
- Knowledge of fertiliser/crop nutrition management or research would be beneficial.
- Knowledge of automated sensors and data loggers (e.g., installation, maintenance, and monitoring) is desirable.
- Knowledge of legislative requirements and operating procedures for major areas of research and scientific safety such as labelling and risk assessment.
- Well-developed problem-solving skills, with an ability to forward plan, prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and work with a high level of adaptability, both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a research environment.
The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks including, right to work in Australia, criminal history and education checks.
Work Rights
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Michael Bell m.bell4@uq.edu.au or 0429600730. For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
- Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.
- Resume.
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close October 23rd 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-42407).
Acknowledgment of Country:
The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.
Why Choose UQ?
At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide.
Career Development and Support:
UQ is dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of our students and staff. Our comprehensive career services provide personalized guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals. Whether you are a student seeking internships and job placements or a staff member looking for career advancement, UQ is here to support you every step of the way.
Diverse and Inclusive Community:
UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aims to ensure that everyone at UQ feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability.
Join the UQ Community:
Whether you are a recent graduate, an Academic, or an experienced professional, UQ offers a wide range of opportunities to help you grow and succeed. Explore our current job openings, discover our programs, and become part of a community that is dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful impact for the communities in which we live and work.
