CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Bio-Economics - [Archived Advertisement]

The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in agricultural economics, resource economics, agronomy or ecology?
• Keen to work at the intersection between biology and economics?
• Join a multi-disciplinary project for this exciting and important postdoctoral role

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.
 
CSIRO Agriculture and Food are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to work at the intersection between biology and economics.  The Postdoctoral Fellow will lead and conduct original research to quantify the economic and environmental value of genes conferring resistance to plant diseases in crops and assign value to these key genetic resources. This will facilitate better stewardship of genetic resistance, in turn leading to improvements in resistance durability, reduced reliance on synthetic pesticides, reductions in the agricultural sector’s environmental footprint and increased profitability for producers. 

This is a multidisciplinary project and scientists from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We would particularly welcome candidates with a research interest in economic modelling of the impact of pest organisms on agro-ecosystems, and in the application of ecological and evolutionary principles to solving applied problems in agro-ecosystems. The Postdoctoral Fellowship position is within the dynamic CSIRO Agriculture and Food Biotic Interactions Team, part of the broader Systems Program.  The Program delivers science that underpins the ongoing productivity and sustainability of Australia’s agricultural industry. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be located in Canberra. 

Your duties will include:

• Carrying out original, innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes. 
• Developing a conceptual and analytical framework to identify the economic and environmental value to different stakeholders of plant genes that confer resistance to pathogens. 
• Developing a fit-for-purpose economic model to assess the costs of resistance breakdown and the value of strategies designed to prevent or delay such breakdown.  
• Undertaking regular reviews of relevant literature and produce high quality scientific papers suitable for publication in quality journals.
• Representing CSIRO externally at workshops and conferences.
• Recognising and exploiting opportunities for innovation and the generation of new theoretical perspectives, and progress opportunities for the further development or creation of new lines of research.

Location: Canberra, ACT
Salary: AU$88k - AU$96k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 76157

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as agricultural economics, resource economics, agronomy or ecology. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated skills in data management, experimental design and statistical analysis, including proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g. Python, R).
• Demonstrated understanding of links between natural environments (e.g. pests, diseases, climate and weather) and agricultural production and productivity. 
• A good understanding of economic methods and their application to agricultural or environmental problems.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

To be eligible to work in CSIRO you must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. Additional integrity checks may be required for specific roles which require security clearance for working with children, Australian Government cybersecurity requirements or other identified security roles.

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. 

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

31 August 2021, 11:00pm AEST