Research Technician – Forest Ecology and Physiology

• Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology

• 2 year contract with attractive salary

• National Science Foundation (USA) collaboration

About Swinburne

Swinburne is a progressive university that aims to increase Australia’s capacity in science, technology and innovation as the drivers of modern, internationalised economies and workplaces. Our university is focused on high-impact global research, high-quality teaching and active engagement with both industry and the community.

About the job
The position of Research Technician is part of a National Science Foundation (USA) funded project, working with Professor Mark Adams (SUT) and colleagues from the University of Wisconsin, Madison – Professors Tom Givnish and Kate McCulloh. The project team has established a network of research sites in southeast Australia and has a base at Creswick (University of Melbourne campus). The aim of this research is to determine how eucalypts adapt to climate and to changing climates. The principal adaptations under study are those related to water use and carbon acquisition. The research sites take the form of “common gardens”, and are extensively instrumented. You will assist in a range of field and laboratory research activities associated with this infrastructure. 
Professor Mark Adams is based at the Hawthorn campus, and his vehicles and equipment are at the Wantirna campus. However, you will be required to undertake duties at sites in regional Victoria and any of the University's campuses. In addition to a Drivers Licence, you must be willing to travel between campuses and work at a range of locations.

About you
To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Science degree or equivalent (NRM, Forestry, Environmental Science)

• Current Drivers Licence

• Field studies in ecology and plant physiology, especially with native plants growing under natural conditions

• Infrared gas analysis

• Plant water status

• Data logging and telemetry

• Micrometeorology

• Soil and plant analysis (e.g. total elemental analysis, dry weight analysis, plant anatomy measurement)

• Close attention to detail and careful measurement are imperative.

A full list of the selection criteria is available within the position description

Benefits 
The diverse culture within Swinburne is a source of strength. We have an inclusive working environment with employees from a variety of backgrounds. We acknowledge that diversity in the university workforce increases the effectiveness of teams and our capacity for innovation. We welcome applications from Indigenous people, workers of all ages, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality 2016 and of key initiatives such as our Pride@Swinburne Strategic Action Plan and our Reconciliation Action Plan which are integral components of our 2025 vision to be world class university creating social and economic impact through science, technology and innovation. Swinburne has also received the Victorian “High Commendation” Multicultural Excellence Award (Business Category).

As a Swinburne staff member you will have access to many benefits such as career development opportunities including 50% study reduction and staff and management development programs. You will receive up to 17% employer contributions (pension) and various discounts on annual Myki cards, private health insurance and movie tickets. We also recognise the need to support the work/life balance and flexible needs of our staff. As such a range of flexible working arrangements including paid maternity/partner leave, onsite childcare, working from home and part time options are available.
To find out more about the extensive benefits offered to Swinburne employees please visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/about/jobs/why-work-at-swinburne/

Further information, contacts and support
To start an application click on 'apply' at the bottom of this page and submit a resume, cover letter and response to the Key Selection Criteria, as listed in the Position Description.
Please do not email or send paper applications, all applications must be submitted online.

For further information about the position, please contact full name Professor Mark Adams (Professor of BioScience and Innovation) on 03 9214 5795. 

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Recruitment team on +61 3 9214 8600 (option 2).

Should you require further support for an interview due to special needs or consideration, please contact our Diversity Consultant, Dr. Walter Robles, on inclusion@swin.edu.au, or our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Officer, Sherrin Trautmann on strautmann@swin.edu.au. 


Applications close at 5pm on Monday 7th May 2018