About This Opportunity 

In this role, you will lead and contribute to research programs in crop physiology and/or agronomy to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. The position requires strong expertise in plant performance under varying environmental conditions, crop improvement strategies, and farming system optimization. You will engage with industry, government, and research collaborators, fostering partnerships that deliver outcomes aligned with regional and national agricultural priorities. This role involves independent research, supervision of students, and leadership within multidisciplinary teams.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research
  • Design, develop, and lead research projects in crop physiology or agronomy with relevance to major crops such as sorghum, mung bean, or wheat.
  • Apply advanced research methodologies to enhance crop performance under biotic and abiotic stress.
  • Conduct experiments in field and controlled environments, managing research data with rigor and integrity.
  • Publish research outcomes in high-impact journals and present findings at national and international conferences.
  • Secure competitive research funding through grants, industry contracts, and other sources.
  • Translate research into practical applications for end-users in agriculture and food production sectors.
  • Build strong partnerships with industry bodies, government agencies, and producers

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise Higher Degree by Research students, recruit and manage employees, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.

• Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.

• Teaching: Where undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is undertaken achieve teaching quality as indicated by approved surveys and outcomes for students and improve or innovate where appropriate in response to feedback.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• A PhD in Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Physiology, or a related field.
• A strong track record of independent and collaborative research, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding and delivering research projects on time and within budget.
• Expertise in crop physiology, agronomy, or related areas, preferably in tropical or subtropical cropping systems, with a focus on plant-environment interactions, with linkages to crop improvement programs.
• Experience in experimental design and analysis, field trials, and/or controlled environment research, including familiarity with digital agriculture technologies (e.g., remote sensing, precision agriculture).
• Demonstrated ability to supervise postgraduate research students and mentor early-career researchers.
• Proven ability to engage with industry partners, government agencies, and producers to deliver impactful research.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with experience contributing to multidisciplinary research programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate research outcomes to diverse audiences.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check etc. 

Work Rights: 

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment and Visa sponsorship may be available for this appointment.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may be able to support you with the visa sponsorship process and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Director of the Centre for Crop Science, Professor Ian Godwin (i.godwin@uq.edu.au) or Professor David Jordan (david.jordan@uq.edu.au) who leads the QAAFI team at Hermitage.  

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:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

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 12 January 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-45491). Please note that interviews and seminars will be scheduled for late January 2025.