Position Number: 0065789
Location: Loxton
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 3 years
Faculty: Engineering and Information Technology
School: Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering
Salary: Academic Level B - $119,231 - $141,581 p.a. plus 17% super
- Lead cutting-edge decarbonisation research / Collaborate with industry and community partners / Contribute to national sustainability goals
- Apply now to spearhead research on scaling on-farm practices for sustainable irrigation in the Murray-Darling Basin
- Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
The University of Melbourne
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Your next career opportunity
As a Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow at the OneBasin CRC's Loxton Regional Hub, you'll lead Stream 1 of the Decarbonising the Basin's Irrigation Regions project. You'll develop innovative solutions for reducing water-related emissions in agriculture, working closely with academic, industry, and community partners. Your research will directly impact the transition to low-emissions agriculture across the Murray-Darling Basin, contributing to Australia's carbon reduction targets.
About Loxton
The Loxton Hub, located at the Loxton Research Centre, is a showcase for the Lower Basin region's global leadership in agriculture and premium food and wine production. This shared working environment between research, industry, and government facilitates knowledge transfer and fosters innovative opportunities. The hub supports the region's highly productive horticultural, viticultural, and agricultural industries, specialising in tree fruits, nuts, winegrapes, berries, vegetables, and grains. With its expertise in applying and demonstrating cutting-edge technology for Riverland and Murraylands farming systems, the Loxton Hub plays a crucial role in helping the region's primary production sectors thrive despite climatic challenges like declining rainfall, fewer frosts, and more hot days. By promoting sustainable practices and driving innovation, the Loxton Hub contributes to the region's significant $2.17 billion annual economic output.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Lead Innovative Research: Develop and implement research strategies for scaling on-farm practices to reduce water-related emissions in irrigation regions.
- Engage with Stakeholders: Collaborate with industry partners, conduct workshops, and deliver capacity-building programs to increase adoption of sustainable irrigation practices.
- Conduct Advanced Analysis: Perform spatial data analysis, site-specific modelling, and scenario analyses on water-energy systems to support on-farm decarbonisation.
- Disseminate Findings: Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and produce technical reports to share research outcomes.
You may be a great fit if:
You are an experienced researcher with a PhD in water resources engineering or a related field, demonstrating expertise in decarbonising on-farm water use and irrigation system efficiency, with a strong publication record and excellent communication skills.
You may also:
- Have a proven track record in irrigation water-energy systems or on-farm decarbonisation research.
- Possess experience in capacity building and stakeholder engagement to drive technology adoption.
- Demonstrate proficiency in energy management for irrigation and assessing renewable energy options.
- Have experience in supervising students and research assistants.
- Show ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary research environments.
For further information please refer to the attached PD.
What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:
- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program
- Comprehensive career development and training, plus a 25% discount on UniMelb graduate courses for your immediate family members!
For more information check out our benefits page!
Your new team – School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering
The School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering (EMI) undertakes teaching and research across a range of disciplines that are internationally recognised for their contribution to fundamental research. EMI has several well-established industry linkages and international partnership and is building a vibrant profile of interdisciplinary research, working with industry with an aim to contribute to society. EMI offers a comprehensive range of accredited Master of Engineering and Master of Information Technology programs taught through the Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure departments as well as professional Masters programs. The School has a substantial cohort of research higher degree students.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.
The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker 0416 888 299 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.
For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring
If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.
Working at the University – what you need to know
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is available for this position.
Join Us and unlock your career potential!
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
- The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)
^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Brett Verity via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.
If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.
Position Description
