(Level B or C) $114,917 - $161,145 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation.

24 Months Fixed-term contract | Part-time or Full-time opportunity.

The Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) was established in 2009 under the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) to develop a globally collaborative plant phenomics capability that provides leadership in infrastructure, skills and service for agricultural research and industry to maximise the productivity in Australia’s unique and variable environment.

The University’s node of the APPN, The Plant Accelerator^® is actively seeking a driven and enthusiastic individual to join our dynamic team and contribute their unique skills. The Plant Accelerator^® has a range of automated phenotyping systems collecting water use data and images over time, as well as a X-ray CT scanner for measuring cereal spikes. Critical to successful phenotyping projects is careful experimental design.

The successful applicant will drive the implementation of the latest biometrical approaches to experimental design and longitudinal data analysis of high-throughput plant phenotyping datasets. They will have significant experience in designing and analysing multi-phase experiments and take an active role in advancing the statistical methods employed at the Plant Accelerator^®. The appointed individual will support plant scientists using our services to address a diverse range of research questions, all aimed at improving plant productivity in challenging environments.

If you are a dynamic and forward-thinking individual eager to make a meaningful impact, we welcome you to apply.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the statistical research and consulting activities at the Plant Accelerator^®, including supervising and mentoring biometry/statistics colleagues
• Provide high-level statistical support to projects run by the Plant Accelerator staff, clients and external stakeholders, including:
  • Consulting with researchers to prepare experimental designs, carry out statistical modelling of plant phenotyping data and prepare figures and reports to facilitate publication of the results.
  • Develop novel statistical methods and applications for processing and analysing plant phenotyping data.
• Actively engage with APPN staff and facility users on ongoing and future needs for statistical analysis
• Actively engage with the biometry research community through seminar and workshop attendance, including presentations
• Communicate complex statistical concepts and results to a diverse audience, including plant scientists, HDRs and APPN colleagues from different disciplines.

About You

You are a highly skilled and motivated leader in biometry, and you enjoy diverse research questions and problem solving. You enjoy a service-focused, collaborative team environment and look forward to supporting the Australian plant research community.

Selection Criteria (Level B)

Essential

• A PhD in Biometry, Statistics, or related field.
• Proven skills in the application of biometry/statistics to plant phenotyping datasets, including experimental design and longitudinal data.
• A publication record that includes statistical methodology papers.
• Demonstrated experience in using R software packages to analyse longitudinal data and generate high-quality graphical outputs.
• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal skills in working as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team that includes plant scientists.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgement in interpreting and applying procedures to solve complex issues and make decisions when dealing with multiple stakeholders and competing demands.
• Demonstrated experience in communicating complex statistical approaches to a range of audiences.

Desired

• Experience in developing, maintaining and documenting R code for re-use on multiple datasets

Selection Criteria (Level C)

Essential

• A PhD in Biometry, Statistics, or related field.
• Proven skills in developing statistical workflows for the analysis of plant phenotyping datasets, including experimental design and longitudinal data.
• A strong publication record in biometry/statistics that includes statistical methodology papers.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and documenting R code that uses R software packages to analyse longitudinal data and generate high-quality graphical outputs.
• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal skills in working as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team that includes plant scientists and taking on leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgement in interpreting, applying and adapting procedures to solve complex issues and make decisions when dealing with multiple stakeholders and competing demands.
• Demonstrated experience in communicating complex statistical approaches to a range of audiences.

Desired

• Experience in maintaining, developing and documenting R packages.  

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE  and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework  and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

How to Apply

Join the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) and make a real difference in sustainable agriculture across Australia.

Please ensure you submit a resume and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11.55pm, 21 July 2025.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:
Bettina Berger
Scientific Director, The Plant Accelerator
E: bettina.berger@adelaide.edu.au

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

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