Dear all, The Faculty of Agriculture and Environment at the University of Sydney is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Soil Ecology. For more information and to apply, search by the reference number 1926/1112 at sydney.edu.au/positions<http://sydney.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.processJobSearch&jobid=b0a2dd8d-8eca-de78-3573-6e29dd94b86c&CurATC=EXT&CurBID=949319bc-8898-4f11-ac4b-9db401358504&jobsListKey=cb701bd6-05dc-442e-a36e-db6653a>
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE IN SOIL ECOLOGY<http://sydney.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.processJobSearch&jobid=b0a2dd8d-8eca-de78-3573-6e29dd94b86c&CurATC=EXT&CurBID=949319bc-8898-4f11-ac4b-9db401358504&jobsListKey=cb701bd6-05dc-442e-a36e-db6653a> FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT REFERENCE NO. 1926/1112 * Interdisciplinary collaborative research combining field trials and growth chamber experiments * Use stable isotope and molecular genetic techniques together with cutting-edge methods for soil structure analysis * $92K p.a. package, full-time fixed term for three years The University of Sydney is Australia's premier University, with an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7500 permanent staff supporting over 49,000 students. The Faculty of Agriculture and Environment has established strengths in soil microbiology, soil science, plant pathology, plant breeding (including legumes), physiological ecology of terrestrial ecosystems, precision agriculture, spatial information systems, agroforestry, and agricultural and resource economics. The Faculty has excellent facilities, including access to field trials at Narrabri, northern NSW, modern glasshouses and growth chambers, and cutting-edge stable isotope and molecular biology laboratories. Further information on the Faculty is available at sydney.edu.au/agriculture<http://sydney.edu.au/agriculture/> We are looking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to play a vital role in studies on improving soil functioning in agroecosystems, funded by the Grains Research & Development Corporation. This project offers a comprehensive range of cutting-edge techniques, requiring a broad palette of skills, including the use of stable isotope and molecular genetic techniques. You will be highly motivated to advance the field of soil ecology, showing self-motivation and problem solving skills. The project will require you to use 13C, 15N, and 2H tracer techniques, analyse microbial species and functional diversity in soil and crop rhizosphere samples, and use cutting-edge techniques to analyse soil structure. You will coordinate and carry out sampling trips to field trials at Narrabri, design and carry out glasshouse and growth chamber experiments that complement these field trials, and make a significant input to the scientific direction of the project. You will analyse and prepare the data for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and will present the results at national and international scientific conferences. You will work closely with Dr Feike Dijkstra<http://sydney.edu.au/agriculture/staff/find_staff_member/staff_profiles/feike_dijkstra.shtml> and Associate Professor Michael Kertesz<http://sydney.edu.au/agriculture/staff/find_staff_member/staff_profiles/michael_kertesz.shtml>, but will also interact with other Faculty members and partners at the Grains Research & Development Corporation. You will have: * a PhD degree in soil science, microbiology, plant sciences or related field * proven research experience in soil ecology, and experience with soil and rhizosphere studies * proven experience with stable isotope and molecular genetic techniques * demonstrated ability to write reports and scientific papers and present data at scientific meetings * valid NSW drivers licence or equivalent with the ability to travel regularly inter- and intrastate involving overnight stays to conduct field work. The position is full-time fixed term for three years subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period. Further offers of up to 12 months will be subject to performance, and the needs of the project. Membership of a University-approved superannuation scheme is a condition of appointment for new appointees. Remuneration package: $92K p.a. including $78K base salary, leave loading and up to 17% superannuation. Additional start-up support will be available for the first year of employment. Some support towards relocation and visa sponsorship will be available for the successful appointee if required. CLOSING DATE: 20 January 2013 (11:30pm Sydney time) The University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged as they are underrepresented in this field
