Research Fellow in Digital Irrigation Extension Systems

The University of Melbourne; Greater London; On-site; AUD 119,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job description

Research Fellow in Digital Irrigation Extension Systems

• The University of Melbourne
• Australia, Vic
• Apr 12, 2025

About The University of Melbourne

University of Melbourne (UoM), the second oldest university in Australia, has been moulding students ever since it was built in 1853, over 160 years ago. It is known internationally as...

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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)

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Oliver Bukasa via email at [e-mail], ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.