Research Fellow – Soil Ecosystem Services

The University of Melbourne, Level A Academic, Full-time to June 2013

An opportunity exists for a postdoctoral research fellow to progress the scientific basis for defining soils as assets. The research project is part of a broader collaborative program between the Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science (The University of Melbourne) and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), which aims to improve understanding of the public value in changing soil management on private land, particularly in agricultural landscapes.This position will test the workability of valuing soils based on the services and associated benefits that they provide. This will involve spatial modelling of changes in selected services and benefits in broad-scale case studies.

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with demonstrated knowledge of soil systems, and strong experience in the analysis and modelling of spatial environmental data. The full-time position is available until June 2013, and will be based at the University’s Creswick campus near Ballarat in central Victoria. A PhD in soil science, environmental modelling or associated discipline is required. Other selection criteria include a proven ability to develop and complete robust research, and a strong record of liaising with a range of collaborators including scientists, policy makers, and land managers.

For a full position description please go to www.jobs.unimelb.edu.au (search for position 0024568), and for further information please contact Dr Lauren Bennett (ltb@unimelb.edu.au).

Applications due 26 September 2010.

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Update: As at 27 August, 2010, this position has not yet been filled

PhD scholarship - School of Life Sciences - Readvertised

La Trobe University (Melbourne), AU$ 26,669 p.a., 3 years full-time

We are seeking an enthusiastic student to undertake a PhD at La Trobe University on aspects of phytoremediation. The PhD project forms part of the ARC-funded project “Phytoextraction approaches to mitigating heavy metal release from unlined and loosely capped rural landfills”. Applicants should hold an Honours degree (First Class or 2A) or equivalent qualification or experience in soil science, agriculture science, environmental science, or related fields, and are able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team. Only Australian permanent residents or citizens are eligible.

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For further information contact:
Professor Caixian Tang, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University
Bundoora, Vic 3086
Tel: (03) 9479 2184
Email: C.Tang@latrobe.edu.au

A/Professor Peter Sale
School of Life Sciences La Trobe University
Bundoora, Vic 3086
Tel: (03) 9479 2188
Email: P.Sale@latrobe.edu.au

PhD Scholarship - Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC)
$29,000 per annum

Molecular ecology of microbial functions involved in plant nutrition and greenhouse gas emissions in cotton farming systems.

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For more information contact Chris Franco or Gupta Vadakattu.

Update: As at 17 May, 2010, this position has not yet been filled

PhD scholarship – Carbon cycling under afforestation and a dry climate

Monash University, AU$ 26,669 p.a., 3 years full-time

An opportunity exists at the Australian Centre for Biodiversity, Monash University for a PhD candidate to undertake novel interdisciplinary studies on C cycling. The PhD is part of a broader Australian Research Council-funded Linkage project to understand how extensive revegetation will affect carbon storage, water yields and biodiversity of catchments (www.biolsci.monash.edu.au).

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic student with a strong interest in ecosystem ecology, particularly the role of soils, and ideally, experience in agricultural science. The full-time position will start in 2010 and be based at Monash University with fieldwork in the Goulburn-Broken Catchment, Victoria. A first class honours (or equivalent, e.g. research Masters) undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required. This scholarship is open to both Australian and overseas applicants. Applicants should submit a brief statement of their research interests and capability to undertake this research project, a current curriculum vitae, academic transcripts and contact details for two referees.

To submit applications or for additional information please contact Dr Tim Cavagnaro (tim.cavagnaro@sci.monash.edu.au)

Overseas Soil Science Development project
– East Timor

ASSSI has established a new overseas soil science development project which is financially supported by ASSSI members. This year (2010) we are focusing on East Timor and we plan to send instruments and laboratory equipment to that country. We aim to assist in the development of soil science by improving the capability of Timorese laboratories. Funds collected from members will go towards the shipping of instruments and equipment to Timor.

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