Senior Technical Officer, Australian Plant Phenomics Facility

• 4-year, full-time fixed term position, with the possibility for extension
  
• Exciting opportunity to support university and nationwide research projects
  
• Base Salary $104,633 - $113,992 + 17% superannuation
  
• Located at the University's Narrabri Campus

About the area

The University of Sydney's Narrabri Campus is undergoing an exciting period of growth with significant investment being placed into the ongoing expansion and development of the Campus. This has led to the university being successful in gaining NCRIS funding to become a node of the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility (APPF).

The APPF is a world-leading infrastructure facility that underpins innovative Plant Phenomics research to accelerate the development of new and improved crops, healthier food, and more sustainable agricultural practice. As part of a nationwide expansion of the APPF, our new node will support field-based Plant Phenomics research across NSW.

About the opportunity

As the Senior Technical Officer, you will lead the technical establishment and operations of the university's APPF node in Narrabri and be responsible for the development, deployment, and ongoing support of new phenotyping platforms for public and private research users of the node in northern NSW. You will utilise your subject matter expertise to provide sound, expert technical support and advice to researchers and students using field research and laboratory facilities, aiding node supported research and providing collaborative research input for projects being undertaken by node users.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• work within a dynamic and growing team, reporting to the APPF Node Director Dr. William (Tam) Salter and Sydney Informatics Hub Director Prof. Tom Bishop
  
• proactively provide technical advice, technical research support and assistance to APPF node users
  
• assist in the development and deployment of new field-based high-throughput phenomics platforms
  
• maintain and service Plant Phenomics platforms within the APPF node
  
• build and maintain effective relationships with public and private APPF users across northern NSW
  
• undertake various reporting and administrative duties under the guidance of the APPF Node Director
  
• ensure that the node and wider workplace is compliant with Workplace Health & Safety Requirements.

About you

• postgraduate qualifications and/or relevant work experience in a related field
  
• significant experience with image-based plant phenotyping, remote sensing of plants, or other image-based structure characterization
  
• significant experience in a field research environment, working on large scale plots trials of crop species
  
• experience working in and leading a service-oriented interdisciplinary team to improve performance, establish a harmonious working environment and maintain an outcome-based focus
  
• proven information technology and organisational skills with a demonstrated ability to keep accurate records and prioritise tasks, exercising sound judgement to meet tight timelines
  
• ability to engage with the research community and industry and understand their needs and drivers
  
• proven ability to work at a high level independently and without supervision
  
• experience flying UAVs for high quality data collection, with a CASA remote pilot license (RePL) highly desirable
  
• hold a current and valid drivers license.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights forAustralia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

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 reasons for 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.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

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.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Kale Claffey, Recruitment Operations by email to ************@sydney.edu.au

For questions regarding the Narrabri Campus and APPF facility please contact William (Tam) Salter by email at **************@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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