Postdoctoral Fellow (Agribusiness) - Future Drought Fund - [Archived Advertisement]

Postdoctoral Fellow (Agribusiness) - Future Drought Fund

Help improve drought resilience and preparedness by supporting producers with financial decision mechanisms and risk management, as part of the Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales (SQNNSW) Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.

A flagship of the multi-billion-dollar Future Drought Fund, the SQNNSW Hub is one of eight national Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs. With an investment of $10 million from the Australian Government in the University of Southern Queensland led Hub over four years, and more than $10 million contribution from Partners, the Hub will be headquartered in Toowoomba with nodes in Stanthorpe, Roma, Longreach, Lismore, Armidale, and Narrabri.  

By working together, we can ensure the future growth and success of our regions and communities in the face of the ever-present threat of drought. Connecting research expertise and on-the-ground knowledge throughout the region, the Hub will improve community resilience and be a driver of co-designed and demand-driven drought resilience research, development, extension, adoption, and commercialisation. 

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a significant project impacting on-the-ground activities and decision making. As a Postdoctoral Fellow (Agribusiness), you will contribute to bridging the gap between research, development, extension, and adoption activities regarding the delivery of drought management tools. You’ll use your understanding of economic implications and decisions relating to drought to support farmers through to local businesses, contributing to the creation of a suite of decision-focussed, industry/sector specific toolkits that improve drought management systems throughout the region. An understanding of agricultural value chains would add significant value. 

You will also have:

• Completion of a PhD or professional doctorate or equivalent standing in a relevant discipline area from a recognised tertiary institution. An understanding of the economic implications and decisions related to drought for farm and local rural businesses, along with regional agricultural value chains would be an advantage.
• Knowledge and ability to engage in research that provides collaborative opportunities, advances knowledge, and engages with industry.
• Highly capable in interpreting results, preparing reports, presentations and high- quality journal papers required by the funding bodies and the University.
• High level oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

To apply, or to find out more about this exciting opportunity and Fund Resilience Research and Adoption Program, visit www.usq.edu.au/future-drought-fund.

For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Professor Gavin Ash, Executive Director (Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment) on telephone +61 7 4631 1691 or email gavin.ash@usq.edu.au.

With the option of being based at Toowoomba, Springfield or Ipswich, this position will be a full-time fixed term appointment until 31 October, 2023.

Please note, appointment will be made to the title of SQNNSW Hub Postdoctoral Fellow (Agribusiness).

Applications close Sunday 23rd May, 2021.

Reference No: 0089_04/21

At USQ we are united by our core values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence, which guide our daily actions and decision making.