Current opportunities at Melbourne

Position Number: 0065689
Location: Mildura VIC or Griffith NSW
Role type:  Full-time; Fixed-term for 3 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School:  School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
Salary: Level B - $119,231 - $141,581 p.a. plus 17% super

• Contribute to transformative research in agricultural innovation, digital digital and agricultural extension and advisory systems/ Collaborate with diverse stakeholders / Develop regional expertise
• Apply now to lead groundbreaking social science research in agricultural innovation, digital irrigation and agricultural extension and advisory systems across 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
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.   

Your next career opportunity
As a Research Fellow in the Rural Innovation Research Group in the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES), you'll play a pivotal role in a large, transdisciplinary project funded by the One Basin Cooperative Research Centre. You'll have the opportunity to shape the future of digital irrigation in the Murray Darling Basin, focusing on agricultural innovation, digital transitions and agricultural extension and advisory systems. Based in either Mildura or Griffith, you'll conduct internationally competitive research, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and make significant contributions that benefit regional communities and advance academic knowledge.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conduct High-Impact Research: Lead social science research in agricultural innovation, digital irrigation and agricultural extension and advisory systems, publishing in top-tier journals and presenting at international conferences.
• Collaborate and Engage: Work closely with the OneBasin CRC communities, developing networks and engaging with stakeholders in collaborative research across the Murray Darling Basin.
• Supervise and Mentor: Guide Higher Degree Research students in their research, ensuring timely completion and fostering the next generation of agricultural innovators.
• Contribute to Academic Leadership: Participate in Rural Innovation Research Group and SAFES  planning activities, committee work, and professional activities in the disciplines of applied social science research in agricultural innovation, digital transitions and agricultural extension and advisory systems.

You may be a great fit if:
You are a passionate social scientist with a PhD in agriculture, environmental science, or cultural and natural resource management, possessing excellent interpersonal skills and a proven track record in stakeholder engagement and agricultural or environmental research.

You may also:

• Have experience working with farmers, farm advisors, and water managers.
• Possess expertise in agricultural extension, community engagement, or farm practice change.
• Demonstrate a strong publication record and aptitude for independent research.
• Have experience in supervising Research Higher Degree students.
• Show excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships.
• Be familiar with water management issues in the Murray Darling Basin.
• Hold a current driver's license and be willing to live and travel in regional areas.

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 Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences has a vision of science for flourishing environments and communities. The School brings together diverse discipline strengths to lead the development of new interdisciplinary thinking and high-impact solutions for global challenges relating to climate change, food security, healthy food systems, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, invasive species, and environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices. Our expertise spans biophysical, social and technical sciences, and we support a large cohort of PhD students across these domains.

The School teaches a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the Bachelor of Agriculture, several majors of the Bachelor of Science and, and six Master coursework programs: Master of Agricultural Sciences, Master of Ecosystem Management and Conservation, Master of Food and Packaging Innovation, Master of Food Science, Master of Urban Horticulture and Master of Environment.

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 Kim Groizard +61 3 9035 3218 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 not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

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 Oliver Bukasa 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.