Postdoctoral Research Associate (mineral Associated Organic Carbon In Soils)

• Full time, 2 years fixed term. Located on the Eveleigh Campus at the Biomedical Building (C81)
• Opportunity to work in a strong research team of scientists (soil scientist, biogeochemist, and organic chemist) to investigate the role of mineral-associated organic carbon in soil carbon sequestration
• Base Salary, Level A $107,516 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES) is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Mineral associated organic carbon in soils) to take a leading role in an ARC Discovery Project entitled “Unlocking the factors and processes that control the stability of soil organic matter (SOM) to anchor carbon in soil”. The appointee will have access to a suite of emerging and established techniques in the project.

The broad aim of the project is to understand the drivers of SOM persistence via investigation of the linkages between the soil mineral composition and the contents and composition of organic compounds, which are stabilised in surface and deeper soils. We will use a combination of novel spectroscopic, molecular and isotopic techniques to determine the chemical and structural composition of organic compounds and minerals in mineral associated organic matter in their natural states.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• collect soil samples from field sites from different cropping regions and soil types in New South Wales in co-operation with Chief Investigator (CI), Professor Balwant Singh
• conduct laboratory experiments, analyse experimental data and prepare manuscripts and reports, with support from the two CIs, i.e., Professor Balwant Singh and Associate Professor Feike Dijkstra, and Partner Investigator, Professor Georg Guggenberger.
• mentor the PhD student working in the project.

The School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES) brings together researchers in the life, earth, and environmental sciences to improve teaching and build new infrastructure to support and enhance capacity in research and teaching.

To learn more about the School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES), click here.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Mineral associated organic carbon in soils) who has:

• a recent PhD (or near completion) in soil science, ecology, microbiology or a related field with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the earlier mentioned duties and responsibilities
• a background in soil science or biogeochemistry and expertise in spectroscopic analysis of soil organic carbon is highly desirable.
• knowledge in soil science or biogeochemistry and skills in conducting experiments and laboratory analysis, analyzing data and preparing reports and manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals.

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Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

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For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Simon Drew, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources at [email protected]

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Applications Close

Sunday 02 April 2023 11:59 PM