Pay Scale: A competitive salary package pending qualifications, TBD
Relocation assistance: Negotiable
Position Scope: Laboratory and field livestock emissions and productivity research, livestock feed additive product and processing development, QA/QC program development, sample analysis, reporting, presentation, laboratory HSE and inventory management. The position is initially offered for 1 or 2 years (negotiable) and good potentialfor extension as FutureFeed Pty Ltd is further developed. 
Applications are open to: Australian Citizens & Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents Only
Reports to the: Chief Science Officer (CSO)
How to apply: Email cover letter, and CV and brief response to selection criteria (optional) to: Liz Do liz.do@csiro.au 
Contact details to discuss this position: Dr. Rob Kinley – FutureFeed CSO rob.kinley@csiro.au

Role Overview
Ruminant livestock are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas inventories in the form of enteric methane thus contributing to climate change and global warming. Methane emissions represent losses in livestock productivity and consequently impacts profitability and food production efficiency, so  researchers are exploring techniques of improving livestock systems for consistently higher productivity with reduced environmental consequences. 

FutureFeed in association with CSIRO is positioned in the feed additive context and is developing and commercialising livestock feed additives that reduce methane emissions and increase productivity through improvement of feed conversion. 

The position sits within a new developed company and team of researchers and agribusiness commercialisation experts and is associated skilled technical staff in Townsville on the campus of James Cook University and the CSIRO Lansdown Research Station. FutureFeed Pty Ltd interacts extensively with industry in commercial beef and dairy production, food processing, University and industry researchers, seaweed producers, and all aspects of the supply chain including regulatory aspects. The position provides opportunity for skills development in all aspects of research projects funding, design, execution,and delivery of outcomes. 

The work comprises multiple aspects of product development and testing under direction of the FutureFeed CSO and aided by technical teams at the various facilities collaborating with FutureFeed. Depending on collaboration requirements the incumbent would periodically assist CSIRO, university, and industry projects. 

FutureFeed an antimethanogenic and productivity enhancing feed ingredient for cattle and sheep derived from the red seaweed Asparagopsis spp. FutureFeed is in process of commercialization and ongoing R&D is supported by external clients and CSIRO. Reporting to the FutureFeed CSO the successful candidate will contribute to project design and implementation, execution, and reporting for a variety of milestones including in vitro testing and in vivo experimentation within the scope of the ongoing R&D and commercialization of FutureFeed. Also, within the scope of FutureFeed responsibilities include laboratory management and care and maintenance of fistulated steers. Travel within Australia is required and there is potential for international project contributions and conferences. 

Duties and Key Result Areas:

This position will have specific responsibilities to:

• Under the direction of the FutureFeed CSO, the successful candidate will conduct innovative research aligned with the goals FutureFeed Pty Ltd exploring attributes of novel feed ingredients and produce important novel scientific outcomes and crucial knowledge supporting development of:
• FutureFeed an antimethanogenic and productivity enhancing feed ingredient derived from the red seaweed Asparagopsis spp.
• Associated supply chain requirements including QA/QC, product analysis, and testing.
• Undertake reviews of relevant literature and intellectual property.
• Produce quality scientific papers suitable for publication in journals, presentations to clients, and/or input for applications for patents.
• Prepare applications and reports for the animal ethics committee.
• Contribute to the development of innovative concepts and ideas for further research.
• Contribute to the effective functioning of the FutureFeed and CSIRO research teams, Lansdown Research Station, and help deliver to FutureFeed’s organisational objectives, plans and strategies.
• Contribute to effective operation of the in vitro fermentation lab, analytical labs, and contribute as to health and safety programs.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues within FutureFeed, CSIRO, and external (eg. JCU, USC, Asparagopsis producers), and engage with the livestock industry of Australia.

Under the direction of FutureFeed CSO:

• Carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to FutureFeed Pty Ltd.
• Recognise and exploit opportunities for innovation and the generation of new theoretical perspectives, and progress opportunities for the further development or creation of new lines of research.
• Utilise design thinking methodology to plan and prepare research proposals and apply nonacademic impact methodology to research projects.
• Carry out biological and food research investigations requiring originality, creativity and innovation.
• Conduct chemical, gas, and biological analysis using multiple techniques and methodologies.
• Record, manage, and analyse data/information using relevant domain data science techniques.
• Adhere to the spirit and practice of appropriate Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
• Other duties as directed.

Selection Criteria:

1. A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as Agriculture, Biology, Natural Sciences or relevant discipline with experience in ruminant sciences. In exceptional cases a MSc may be acceptable or a BSc with extensive experience.
2. Demonstrated experience in ruminant nutrition, behaviour, or health research ideally with experience both in vivo and in vitro gas measurement techniques.
3. Demonstrated experience in greenhouse gas emissions monitoring from animals or bioresources/soils.
4. Well-developed laboratory skills and understanding of associated health and safety protocols.
5. Demonstrated ability to manage and analyse large data sets using statistical methods.
6. Motivation and self-discipline to conduct independent research.
7. High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including publishing in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, and presenting at national and/or international conferences.
8. A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.
9. A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.

Desirable Criteria:

1. Demonstrated experience in rumen biology as impacted by feed modification using novel feed ingredients for methane emissions management.
2. Understanding of livestock production, and low stress animal handling skills.
3. Knowledge of in vitro fermentation techniques
4. Experience with respiration chambers for emissions measurement from livestock
5. Experience in stakeholder and/or client management
6. Remain productive, positive and resilient in complex, ambiguous and/or uncertain environments.
7. The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, potentially regionally dispersed research team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.

Special Requirements:
Appointment to this role may be subject to conditions including security/national police/medical/character clearance requirements. Applicants who are not Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents may be required to undergo additional security clearances, which may include National Police Checks, medical examinations, and an international standardised test of English language proficiency (i.e. IELTS test).- https://ielts.com.au/