Cropping Systems Scientist

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The Opportunity

• Use your skills in cropping systems analysis and simulation, and spatial (GIS, satellite and remote-sensing) technologies to sustainably intensify Australia’s cropping systems
• Collaborate and engage across CSIRO, with industry, government and R&D partners 
• Flexible work arrangements, mix of home and office!

CSIRO is Australia’s National Science Agency and is one of the world’s largest and most successful publicly funded research and development organisations. We deliver world-class science and outcome-focused research that generates economic, environmental, and social benefits for Australia in a global context. We have improved the lives of many around the world through our research and developments including BARLEYmax, WiFi, the Hendra virus vaccine, polymer banknotes, extended wear contact lenses, Aerogard and the Total Wellbeing Diet. 

CSIRO Agriculture and Food (A&F) is Australia’s most significant science investment for its key primary production activities including cropping, meat and livestock, aquaculture, horticulture, food safety and processing, and value-adding. The Systems Program in CSIRO Agriculture & Food works in partnership with rural industries, communities, and governments to deliver improvements in agricultural productivity, profitability, and risk management, whilst minimising environmental damage.  The core of the Program’s science lies in better understanding and managing soil-plant-climate interactions that underpin productive, profitable and sustainable farm businesses. We use field experimentation, remote sensing, proximal sensing, crop modelling, climate forecasting, and data science to identify and invest in novel approaches to sustainably intensify Australia’s cropping systems.  

Emerging digital technologies may address problems related to crop and pasture inputs, agricultural economics, land quality, and risk management and lead to advances in soil and crop sensing, next generation satellites and farming systems simulation. We aim to grow the application and use of existing digital and spatial technologies and link these with cropping systems simulations and climate forecasting to operate at scales from paddock to regional to national.

As a cropping systems scientist under the mentorship of senior scientists, you will engage with industry to further develop technology, based on their needs. You will develop and negotiate new concepts with other scientists and focus on the delivery pathway and form an important linkage between the real world and CSIRO resources in digital agriculture. You will have well-developed skills and experience in cropping systems analysis and simulation, plus spatial (GIS, satellite and remote-sensing) technologies; and possess a strong interest in crops, pastures and agriculture generally, in addition to climate science and forecasting applications. 

Your duties will include:

• Engage with the Government and RDC sector to develop new opportunities in extending cropping systems modelling into new areas through linkages with spatial (GIS, satellite, and remote sensing) technologies and climate forecasting.
• Develop relationships with digital agriculture enterprises to better understand how to position CSIRO research for impact
• Engage with scientists across CSIRO business units, to help develop new project opportunities in cropping systems modelling application at scale, including decision-support tools.
• Contribute to delivery of research projects in the cropping systems, remote sensing, and climate forecasting domains 
• Communicate and work collaboratively with other research disciplines, particularly data scientists, engineers, and agricultural researchers.
• Actively engage with and communicate research findings to industry stakeholders, particularly delivering information arising from system simulation tools, spatial and other digital technologies.
• Produce high quality scientific papers suitable for publication in quality journals, for client reports and granting of patents.
• Contribute to the effective functioning of the research team and help deliver CSIRO’s organisational objectives and plans. 

Location:  St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland

Salary:  AU$105k – AU$114k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure:  Specified term of 3 years

Reference:  93213

To be considered you will need:

1. A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field relating to farming systems science (eg agronomy, crop physiology, soil science, natural resource management or related disciplines).
2. Demonstrated ability to undertake original, creative, and innovative research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to scientific research problems.
3. Demonstrated publication history of authorship on scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and/or reports, grant applications or inventorship on patent applications.
4. Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous activities
5. Proven ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously and carry out non-routine tasks under general direction.
6. Ability to investigate routine problems by identifying and considering the implications of a range of available alternative solutions.

Desirable Criteria:

1. Experience in detailed cropping systems analysis and simulation (e.g. APSIM), including broad scale gridded or spatial applications.
2. Knowledge of spatial (GIS, satellite, and remote sensing) and data (R, python, JavaScript) technologies and understanding of potential ways these can be integrated with, and add value to, traditional point or paddock-scale crop modelling.
3. Knowledge and experience in climate science and climate forecasting technologies, and knowledge/experience in decision-support needs of Australian farmers, particularly around crop management, agronomy, and strategic scenario analyses.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to all candidates. Visa sponsorship may be offered to the successful candidate if required. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs, whether we are undertaking research, engaging with the public or nurturing future scientists in person or online. Source – CSIRO Child Safe policy 2023

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close
6 August 2023, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT