Ssa Research Associate

Background

The Australian Society of Soil Science Incorporated, known as Soil Science Australia (SSA) is a not-for-profit, professional association for soil scientists and people interested in the responsible management of Australia’s soil resources. SSA supports soil scientists and promotes the importance of soil as a finite resource. Some members are students, some are at the start of their careers while others are highly regarded experts in Australia and internationally.

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) has contracted soil Science Australia to assess the capacity and sustainability of Pacific Agricultural Chemistry Laboratories. There are numerous agricultural chemistry laboratories within the Pacific, that provide analytical services to the Pacific Nations. These laboratories face unique and significant challenges in sustaining the quality of services.

SSA requires a Research Associate to assess the current capacity and issues related to delivery of analytical services across the ag-chem laboratories in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) including in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. In addition, they will look beyond these countries as well to explore opportunities and common problems that can be addressed through a coordinated regional network approach to delivery of analytical services.

The primary purpose of the Research Associate is to engage with existing partners in the PICTs, Australia and New Zealand, which have been supporting these laboratories and develop relationships with the ag-chem laboratories in the PICTs individually and collectively. This includes SPC, ACIAR, ASPAC, Manaakai Whenua: Landcare Research, and the Pacific Soil Partnership.

The Research Associate will need to develop an understanding of the specific responsibilities, issues and the context in which each laboratory is operating and identify partners from Australia and New Zealand that can provide support, mentoring, proficiency testing, capacity building and services that may not be feasible within the PICT laboratories.

The ideal candidate will have technical expertise in laboratory analysis of soils and experience or an understanding of working in developing countries. They will have excellent project management and communication skills and a positive attitude towards team environments.

Soil Science Australia will cover travel expenses as per its Travel Policy.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Research Associate will:

Build relationships and engage with stakeholders including laboratories of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), ACIAR, Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC), the Pacific Community (SPC), Pacific Soil Partnership and Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research.

Organise and facilitate stakeholder engagement meetings and workshops.

Work both individually with laboratories and collectively across PICT laboratories to identify core analytical services, data delivery and information and challenges and opportunities in meeting the analytical service needs of the Pacific.

Review programs which support coordination among the PICT ag-chem laboratories.

Facilitate the development of a pathway for sustainable delivery of analytical services through a regionally coordinated laboratory network.

Prepare briefings and reports as per Grant requirements and presentations through agreed governance processes.

Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses and attending training and/or course required.

Key Selection Criteria:

A post-graduate qualification in soil science or closely related discipline, or equivalent accreditation and standing.

Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and workshops, and present to diverse audiences.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to produce clear, succinct reports and scientific documents.

Demonstrated experience in analysing soils, interpretation and application of soil laboratory data in land management studies, and an understanding of the instrumentation and analytical methods required for the laboratory analysis of soils.

Demonstrated experience, or potential capacity, to review land management programs and resources required to support such programs.

Demonstrated experience, or potential capacity, to engage and build networks with diverse stakeholders.

A demonstrated capacity to work in a collegiate manner with other staff in the workplace, and an awareness of the principles of confidentiality, privacy and information handling.

Well-developed planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and set and meet strict deadlines.

A current valid driver’s licence and passport essential.

Desirable Criteria:

Experience working in Pacific Island Countries and Territories or developing countries.

Travel to Pacific Island Countries and Territories is required.

Interstate travel may be required.

There may be peak periods of work during which taking of leave may be restricted.

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