• Do you have, or will shortly obtain, a PhD in soil physics, crop-soil interactions or functional root phenotyping? 
• Improve the prediction of plant available water capacity to close the yield gap in dryland agriculture
• Join CSIRO Agriculture & Food and really make a difference!

The Position

CSIRO Agriculture & Food is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Fellow to work alongside existing staff aiming to improve farm level prediction of plant available water capacity. Through this important work, you will contribute to improving resource use efficiency, informing yield forecasts and helping to close the yield gap in dryland agriculture. You will undertake research to quantify soil and crop effects on crop root water extraction. You will use the results to inform new and exciting robust approaches to both measurement and prediction of the crop lower limit and plant available water capacity.

Postdoctoral Fellows work closely with a leading Research Scientist or Engineer in their respective field. They carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO with the possibility of novel and important scientific outcomes. They present the findings in appropriate publications and at conferences.

Your duties will include:

• Carrying out innovative, impactful research that will inform new and robust approaches to both measurement and prediction of the crop lower limit and plant available water capacity.
• Designing and executing laboratory and field experiments and measurements to predict the crop lower limit and plant available water capacity.
• Producing high quality scientific papers and reports suitable for publication in quality journals, for client reports and granting of patents.
• Preparing appropriate conference papers and outreach materials and presenting them at conferences and industry events

Location: Canberra, ACT, Australia
Salary: $80k to $91k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 2 years
Ref no: 57079

To be successful, you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in soil physics, crop-soil interactions or functional root phenotyping or related discipline.   Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 4 years of relevant postdoctoral experience.
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including at national and international conferences.
• Demonstrated theoretical and practical knowledge of root-soil interactions, water and nitrogen cycling, transformations and interactions within soil and plant systems.
• Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, analyse and interpret quantitative field and/or laboratory experiments.
• The ability to travel to field sites and other locations.
• A current driver's licence.

Before you apply, please view the full position details and selection criteria here: Position description

About CSIRO          

We imagine. We collaborate. We innovate.

At CSIRO, we do the extraordinary every day. We innovate for tomorrow and help improve today – for our customers, all Australians and the world. We do this by using science and technology to solve real issues. Diversity is the compass that navigates our innovation. We provide an inclusive workplace that respects, values and actively pursues the benefits of a diverse workforce.

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you.  Find out more Balance

How to Apply: Please apply for this position online at https://jobs.csiro.au/ and enter requisition number 57079. You will be required to upload a single document (maximum 2 MB) that includes your resume/CV and a cover letter that provides a short response for each of the selection criteria demonstrating your relevant experience.

Applications close:  Tuesday, 24 July 2018