Research Leader in Crop Nutrition

 Leadership role involving strong national & international partnerships

 Develop & progress world‐class research initiatives

 Recruit & mentor a Postdoctoral Fellow in Crop Nutrition

The effective use of crop nutrients, especially nitrogen, is a vitally important component in the development of cost efficient, sustainable cropping systems. In Australian farming systems, the place of legume crops in the rotation has declined significantly yet their major importance to longer sustainability is well recognized. This conundrum and the associated need to understand the interplay between different plant nutrients on final crop yield, presents major opportunities and challenges for production.

Recognising these challenges, a position has been developed within CSIRO Plant Industry's Floreat Park laboratories for an experienced scientist to provide leadership to our research team in the area of crop nutrition. The successful candidate will develop a research program exploring ways of improving the efficiency of utilisation of nutrients and water resources in the Australian grains and pastoral industries. We are particularly interested in applicants with extensive experience in one or more of the following areas:

 manipulation of the plant‐soil interface for improved use of nutrients

 identification of plant genotypes with improved nutrient use efficiency

 crop root systems needed for improved use of water and nutrients

 potential to manipulate soil/plant microbial interactions for improved crop production

In recognition of the great importance of crop nutrition issues to cereal production in Western Australia, the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) have simultaneously agreed to fund a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) position in the area. The successful appointee to the CSIRO position will be involved in selection of a suitable PDF and will direct and oversee the research conducted.

Specifically you will:

 provide research leadership locally and nationally;

 develop a program of research that is world‐class;

 write research grants for external funding;

 foster links with industry funding bodies;

 publish findings in research journals;

 present informative and high quality talks;

 conduct work in such a manner as to help build CSIRO’ research reputation for integrated and multidisciplinary science;

 deliver upon CSIRO’ organisational objectives.

Location: Floreat (Perth) Western Australia

Salary: AUD119K ‐ AUD132K plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite / Ongoing

Ref No.: WA12/01679

To be considered you will have a PhD in plant science or soil science, or equivalent, with demonstrated research experience in the conduct of research on an aspect of plant use of nutrients, transformation of nutrients in soil or the effect of the plant root‐soil interface on nutrient and water uptake.

You will also have:

 excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication, negotiation and representational skills, and an ability to liaise with industry;

 success with external research grants;

 ability to work effectively as part of a multi‐disciplinary research team;

 current driver's licence.

About CSIRO:

Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities.

CSIRO prefers all applications to be lodged via our Online Careers Portal –http://www.csiro.au/careers. Choose “Positions Vacant”and search for Reference Number WA12/01679.

Closing date: Tuesday 10 July, 2012 (11:30pm Perth time)

Research Leader in Crop Nutrition