Job Vacancies and Post-doctoral Opportunities
CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Modelling Multi-actor Socio-agro-ecological Systems
Date: 21-Oct-2021
Location: Brisbane, QLD, AU Canberra, ACT, AU
Company: CSIRO
The Opportunity
- Do you have a PhD in a relevant discipline area, such as computer science, geography, economics, environment, agricultural science or social science or similar?
- Exciting opportunity to develop new socio-agro-ecological models of adaptive management strategies
- Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation!
CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.
The CSIRO Data61 and Agriculture and Food business units are recently established a new 3-year shared strategy project to develop digital/data transformation for agriculture. As a member of this multidisciplinary team, you will work with CSIRO scientists, engineers and collaborate with national and international university partners to develop new socio-agro-ecological models of adaptive management strategies that have general applicability for decision making in agricultural landscape management.
The CERC Fellow will work closely with leading scientists in the Agriculture and Food and Data61 machine learning and data analytics business unit, developing computer simulation models for multiple actor landscape management. Your research will focus on developing a modelling framework that will allow for the integration of existing representations of human decision-making that are based on social science theories about land management behaviour in Australia, with real-time updates and system-learning based on observed behaviours. The successful candidate will work within national and international settings and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
In this role you will:
- Develop a computer simulation model using agent-based modelling approaches to explore multi-actor land management behaviours and the optimization of outcomes for both agricultural production and environmental protection.
- Implement the general model in specific contexts to provide adaptive management solutions based on future trajectories, through the integration of localized decision-making and observed behaviours.
- Publish results in relevant international scientific venues (high-level journals and conferences).
- Evaluate the developed model to demonstrate its fitness for purpose, taking responsibility for functionality, performance, and robustness.
Interpret and present research findings to scientists and practitioners from a wide range of other scientific areas.
Location: Brisbane, QLD or Canberra, ACT
Salary: AU$89k – AU$98k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 77807
About You
We’re interested in hearing from people who can demonstrate the following:
- A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area such as computer science, geography, economics, environment, agricultural science or social science.
- Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out independent research.
- Knowledge of agent-based simulation modelling methods and tools such as NetLogo, Repast or GAMA, or the ability to program with object-oriented languages such as Java or C++.
- Solid knowledge of theories on human decision-making and socio-agro-ecological systems.
- A history of publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.
- High-level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.
If you meet the majority of these requirements, please consider applying.
For full details about this role please view the Position Description
Eligibility
To be eligible you must be an Australian/New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or Australian temporary resident currently residing in Australia (visa sponsorship may be provided to eligible onshore candidates).
The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. Additional integrity checks may be required for specific roles which require security clearance for working with children, Australian Government cybersecurity requirements or other identified security roles.
Flexible Working Arrangements
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are working hard to recruit diverse people across por society and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.
About CSIRO
At CSIRO Australia’s national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact.
Join us and start creating tomorrow today!
How to Apply
https://jobs.csiro.au/job/Brisbane%2C-QLD-Postdoctoral-Fellowship/804239100/?locale=en_GB
Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.
Applications Close
21 November 2021, 11:00pm AEST
Postdoc Position Available in International Fisheries Science and Management
Drs. Austin Humphries and Elin Torell at the University of Rhode Island seek a postdoctoral associate to contribute to studies of the social-ecological drivers and impacts of distant water fleets on national fisheries and fisherfolk.
Background: Industrial distant water fleets (DWFs) have typically been identified in U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs as one of many threats to fisheries sustainability that can be mitigated through broader efforts to improve scientific, governance, and enforcement capacities and informed, organized constituencies. More recently, however, some USAID Missions have started to identify illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by DWFs as a more direct and significant impediment to improving the management of national fisheries and are beginning to consider targeted interventions to counter the many impacts of DWFs on national fishery resources. DWFs sometimes engage in harvesting practices that are legal but unsustainable; the licenses that allow unsustainable activity may be the result of weak data and technical analyses and/or of corrupting influence on issuing officials.DWFs can also degrade fisheries if they extract resources illegally, resulting in habitat destruction or overharvesting. Often enforcement of illegal fishing by DWFs is challenging in developing contexts, either because enforcement institutions are under-equipped or because political influence disrupts the hand of justice. Additionally, there can be conflicts between DWFs and national fishers, which can include physical collisions, perceptions of unfair resource allocations, or extractions that erode domestic support for compliance with management rules.
Position Details: The position entails working with collaborators at the University of British Columbia and others with a focus on characterizing the ecological and socio-economic impacts of DWFs in select geographies. The research will cover a number of geographies missions listed in Annex A of the DWF Research Agenda. The final countries covered will be determined in collaboration with USAID but will include some of the following: a) target countries in U.S. Government’s Global Food Security Strategy: Ghana, Kenya, and Senegal; b) Feed the Future aligned countries Mozambique and Tanzania; c) biodiversity priority countries: Indonesia, Madagascar, the Pacific Islands, and Philippines. The postdoctoral associate will produce/update a set of country level briefs for USAID Missions that includes analysis of the ecological and socio-economic impacts of DWFs. Other products from this research include peer-reviewed manuscripts, white papers, and policy briefs. The postdoctoral research associate will be based at the Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island and be supervised by Drs. Austin Humphries and Elin Torell. We all have a role to play in cultivating inclusion. Our culture is the result of our behaviors, our personal commitment, our curiosity, how we collaborate, and the ways that we share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. In turn, this inspires us to try new things, speak openly, and be bold. It brings us together as a research community and empowers all of us to connect, belong, and grow. We are especially interested in candidates that share this vision.
Qualifications: At the time of appointment, the candidate will hold a PhD in fisheries science, marine affairs,or a related field. Candidates should have strong writing and communication skills as well as a track record of delivering research products on time and in a professional manner. A proven capacity to publish in peer-reviewed journals is desired. Also desired is a demonstrated expertise in quantitative data analysis related to fish stock assessment and/or socio-economic impact assessment. Ideal candidates will have experience working with diverse collaborators and across disciplines/geographies.
To Apply: Please follow instructions at https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/8826.For questions, email Drs. Austin Humphries humphries@uri.eduand Elin Torell elintorell@uri.edu. The position is open until filled with first consideration of applicants beginning on October 31, 2021.
Start date is negotiable but is anticipated around January or February 2022. Initial appointment will be for one year,with anticipated funding for two years, conditional upon performance. The University of Rhode Island offers competitive salary ($53,760 to $61,308 for this position) and benefits to its postdoctoral researchers and scholars.
For more information on the benefits available, visit https://web.uri.edu/hr/benefits/.
PhDs, Scholarships, Awards, and Funding Calls
Two positions in Australia
Two positions in Australia
- A Research Scientist – Hydrologist position at CSIRO Land and Water in Canberra.
- A PhD opportunity at the University of Queensland
CSIRO Land and Water Research Scientist
CSIRO Land and Water is seeking a motivated Research Scientist – Hydrologist to join the Water Security Program. To be successful, you will need experience in hydrological process modelling, river system modelling and remote sensing applications in hydrology and experience in programming and working with large data sets. To apply, please go to https://jobs.csiro.au/job/Canberra%2C-ACT-Research-Scientist-Hydrologist/731619200/?locale=en_GB
PhD project at the University of Queensland
The Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory at the University of Queensland, Australia seeks a PhD student to work on an exciting new project: forecasting ecosystem responses to environmental change
There is a growing consensus that using models to anticipate the future is vital to mitigate the impacts of environmental change on ecosystems. Yet most ecological models are one-off attempts to predict what ecosystems might be like in many years or decades. This makes it hard for decision-makers to use these models. It also favours models that are not easily scrutinised and improved. A new international study will use an iterative cycle to 1) forecast how species occurrences and abundances will change over short timescales; 2) use predictions to inspect model failures and 3) improve models so that we can continue to learn. This represents a new way of thinking in ecology that, like weather forecasting, has the power to advance our understanding of ecological processes.
The PhD project
The candidate will work within a vibrant team of quantitative ecologists and spatio-temporal modellers to tackle two major questions in ecological modelling:
(1) When can multivariate models improve forecasts of species distributions, abundances and biodiversity compared to simpler models?
(2) What aspects of models and data control forecast uncertainty across space and time?
Benefits of the project
The student will be based at The University of Queensland within the School of Veterinary Science, supervised by Dr. Nicholas Clark and A/Prof Ricardo Soares Magalhães. The candidate will work with a diverse group of international researchers, including Dr Konstans Wells (Swansea University, UK), Prof Ethan White (University of Florida, USA) and A/Prof Wenbiao Hu (Queensland University of Technology). Additional support will be given by partners at the Ecological Forecasting Initiative and the Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, including assistance in computer-based data analysis, model building and scientific communication. The selected student will have the opportunity to work with all partners on this project but will be based at UQ.
This project will help develop the candidate’s skills in critical thinking, project management, data management and analysis, writing and communication. Expected applications of the project are incredibly diverse, meaning the student will be well prepared for a future career in research or with government and non-government land management, biosecurity or conservation agencies.
This PhD scholarship is funded by the University of Queensland, providing a tax-free PhD stipend and full tuition fee support. The scholarship is for three years, with two possible six-month extensions. Funds are also available for the student to attend scientific conferences and workshops.
Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant’s previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.
Competitive applicants should have
-A BSc with First Class Honours or Masters degree in ecology or statistics
-A strong interest in ecological modelling, time series analysis or conservation science
-Excellent time and data management and interpersonal skills
-Evidence of well-developed verbal and written communication skills
Desirable characteristics
-Publication record in international peer-reviewed journals
-Experience with stochastic data simulation and analysis
-Knowledge of script-based statistical languages such as R or Python
How to enquire
For more information and to submit an expression of interest, please contact Dr. Nicholas Clark at n.clark@uq.edu.au. The expression of interest should include a cover letter and CV including names and contact details of 3 referees (2 pages max) and an academic transcript. Short-list applicants will be interviewed (via video conferencing if necessary) to better determine the applicant’s fit, motivations and capabilities.
COVID-19 information
With current travel bans extending the timeframe for international applicants to commence, UQ will only accept on-shore (domestic and international students residing in Australia) applicants for this scholarship. If the commencing candidate is onshore but interstate, they will be required to come to Queensland to begin.
Expressions of interest will close 14th June 2021
PhD projects at Monash University/The University of Melbourne
Two exciting PhD projects available at Monash with Dr Tim Peterson (tim.peterson@monash.edu). You will work with a dynamic and industry-aligned team at Monash and the University of Melbourne to statistically explore long-term hydrological change (see presentation-1 and presentation-2 for background ideas). Successful applicants will receive a stipend top-up of $8,000 p.a. tax-free (plus university stipend of $29k p.a.). For international students, send your CV to Tim by 14 March. For Australian nationals please contact him by 1 May.
2 PhD positions in Norway: fishing technology and innovation & fisheries innovation and development
Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics
PhD / doctoral research fellow in fishing technology (semi-autonomy) and innovation.
The position
UiT The Arctic University of Norway, The Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics (BFE) has a position available for a PhD / doctoral research fellow in fishing technology (semi-autonomy) and innovation. The position is affiliated with The Norwegian College of Fishery Science (NCFS) and the research groups BRIDGE and HARVEST.
NCFS undertakes research and research-based teaching of high national and international quality in a multi- and interdisciplinary environment. Research activity is provisionally organized into groups focusing on social and cultural aspects of fisheries, living marine resources, seafood science, fish health, marine drug discovery, technology, resource management, and resource economics.
The research group BRIDGE carries out research within the following main areas: fisheries / living marine resources management; fisheries biology; marine ecology and oceanography; technology.
The research group HARVEST carries out research within the following main areas: selectivity and bycatch issues (with focus on the Arctic fisheries); experimental designs (on board research and commercial vessels); developing new models and data-analyses (i.e. novelty in statistics); testing of modified and new designs of fishing gears.
The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø. You must be able to start in the position within a reasonable time, within 6 months after receiving the offer. The positions is for a period of 3 years.
The objective of the position is to complete research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to a PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, and the programme period starts on commencement of the position. The PhD candidate shall participate in the faculty’s organized research training, and the PhD project shall be completed during the period of employment. Information about the application process for admission to the PhD programme, application form and regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor
(PhD) are available here.
PhD in fisheries innovation and development
The position
UiT The Arctic University of Norway, The Facuty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics (BFE) has a position available for a PhD in fisheries innovation and development. The position is affiliated with The Norwegian College of Fishery Science (NCFS) and the research groups BRIDGE and HARVEST. The successful applicant is expected to start the employment as soon as possible after the acceptance of the job offer, and within six months after recieving the offer of appointment. Work place is in Tromsø.
The position is a fixed term position for a duration of 3 years.
The PhD position is for a fixed term, with the objective of completion of research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to a PhD program is a prerequisite for employment, and the program period starts on commencement of the position. The PhD Candidate shall participate in the faculty’s organized research training, and the PhD project shall be completed during the period of employment. Information about the application process for admission to the PhD program and regulations for the degree of Philosophae Doctor (PhD) are available at the following address Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics PhD web pages.
NCFS undertakes research and research-based teaching of high national and international quality in a multi- and interdisciplinary environment. Research activity is provisionally organized into groups focusing on social and cultural aspects of fisheries, living marine resources, seafood science, fish health, marine drug discovery, technology, resource management, and resource economics.
The research group BRIDGE carries out research within the following main areas: social and cultural aspects of fisheries, fisheries / living marine resources management; fisheries biology; marine ecology and oceanography; technology.
The research group HARVEST carries out research within the following main areas: selectivity and bycatch issues (with focus on Arctic fisheries); experimental designs (on board research and commercial vessels); developing new models and data-analyses (i.e. novelty in statistics); testing of modified and new designs of fishing gears.
