Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The Opportunity

• Join an established team exploring innovative solutions in agronomic research
• Make an impact in the future of sustainable agriculture
• Work with CSIRO to deliver world-class research for industry, government, and the community

The role of Research Scientist staff is to conduct innovative research leading to scientific achievements that are aligned with CSIRO’s strategies. The Research Scientist may be engaged in scientific activity ranging from fundamental research to the investigation of specific industry or community problems.

CSIRO Agriculture seek an experienced Farming Systems Agronomist to join the Adelaide-based group.  The position will involve on-farm agronomic experimentation in southern Australia to investigate the impacts of a range of innovative crop management strategies to improve productivity and input-use efficiency.

A key requirement in this newly created role will be to develop and apply digital agriculture principles within the portfolio of relevant CSIRO activities at both experimental and farm-scales.  Emerging technologies in soil and crop sensing, and farming systems simulation will be linked to industry needs, along with developments in digital platforms that are now being widely promoted for industry application.

You will be a senior scientist and future leader who will drive new collaborative opportunities both within CSIRO and with external collaborators and investors.  The position offers a unique opportunity to develop a national profile and reputation and to become a future leader of R&D in the area of modern, digitally enabled farming systems agronomy.

Your duties will include:

• Develop novel scientific approaches to investigate original concepts and innovations for new and current agronomic research as applied to cropping and mixed dryland farming systems in Australia.
• Design, conduct and analyse field-based experiments enterprise mix, soil and climate variability and management parameters using novel and emerging technologies.
• Develop, negotiate and lead new research projects that bring together skills across CSIRO, external partners and funding organisations. 
• Manage research projects or significant components of projects, including responsibility for project planning, effective communication of research outcomes to partners and clients to facilitate implementation of findings and delivery of impact to Industry and publication of scientific papers in leading International journals.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team to carry out tasks in support of CSIRO’s scientific objectives.
• Other duties as directed.

Location: Adelaide, SA

Salary: AU$117,917 - AU$138,176 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure:   Specified Term of 3 years, Full-time

Reference:   88132

To be considered you will need:

Selection Criteria

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

Essential Criteria

• A PhD and or equivalent research experience in a relevant discipline area, such as farming systems agronomy, crop/pasture physiology, soil science, natural resource management or related discipline.
• Excellent written & oral communication skills, evidenced by high-level reporting, presentation & negotiation abilities, scientific publication & the capacity to identify and influence critical stakeholders to gain support for innovative project ideas.
• Experience with field-based agronomic experimentation in cropping systems and application of innovative technologies for improved outcomes for the whole farm enterprise.
• Experience and/or demonstrated knowledge of the application of digital agricultural principles directed at agronomic and/or farming systems research.
• Experience with the use and application of simulation and decision support models applied to crops and farming systems.
• Demonstrated success in gaining industry support for funded research projects and proven capacity to collaborate with growers, industry partners and research providers in the leadership and management of projects.
• The ability to work effectively as a member or leader of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, and carry out independent research. A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly to regional and interstate meetings with collaborating scientists and industry partners as required.
• A significant record of innovation and creativity in applying science to agricultural productivity improvements with demonstrated industry impact.
• Knowledge, understanding and commitment to principles of Equal Employment Opportunity, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents.

Australian temporary residents who are currently residing in Australia and have the right to work for the expected duration of the term with no requirement for sponsorship.

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

To enter a CSIRO site, CSIRO will require you to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or show a valid medical exemption from vaccination). If you are unable to meet this requirement, then you must return a negative result on a Rapid Antigen Test (within 48 hours prior to attending site) and wear a face mask whilst on the CSIRO site. These requirements apply if you are attending a CSIRO site as part of a recruitment process.

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. 

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

17 October 2022, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT