APPN Senior Phenotyping Biometrician
HEO9 ($132,705 – 141,974) | Full-Time
36 months Fixed-term Contract, with a possibility of extension if further funding is successful.
Help shape Australia’s national plant phenotyping infrastructure and help make a tangible difference to research impact, farmer livelihood and global food security.
The University of Adelaide leads the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN), a national research infrastructure initiative established through the Commonwealth’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). APPN delivers cutting-edge imaging and data collection technologies for plant phenotyping, supporting research in controlled environments, field sites, and remote locations. The network consists of nine nodes strategically positioned across Australia’s diverse climate zones—spanning WA, SA, ACT, Victoria, NSW, and Queensland—and is hosted by eight leading universities and one state government department.
We are seeking a Senior Phenotyping Biometrician to join our dynamic team and contribute their unique skills to provide leadership in our central team and across our network of facilities in methods of statistical analysis. This role will be pivotal in advancing our ability to measure novel traits in field and controlled environments by implementing current best practices and proposing a program of targeted research to develop new statistical analytical approaches within the plant phenotyping environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership in the statistical research and consulting activities of the APPN central office
- Based on trends in phenotyping biometrics research, lead proposal for modifications and improvements for deployment across the network
- Provide high-level statistical support to APPN projects, including preparing experimental designs, statistical modelling of plant phenotyping data, and preparing figures and reports to facilitate publication of results
- Continue to review opportunities for multi-dimensional statistical analytics, including links to climate and environmental data
- Establish a community of practice across APPN nodes
- Undertake workshops and training to harmonise approaches to phenotyping biometric analytics
About You
You're a highly skilled leader in biometry and statistical analysis who is keen to join a collaborative network of facilities with cutting-edge phenotyping infrastructure. You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy solving complex problems with a team environment. You are ready to take this leadership opportunity within a national project to deliver impact for the Australian research and agricultural community.
Selection Criteria
- Proven skills in the application of biometry/statistics, ideally with high-throughput phenotyping datasets, including experimental design and longitudinal data analysis.
- 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 ability to promote the organisational values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery, and a commitment to positively comply with the associated behaviour expectations.
Desirable
- A track record of publication record that includes statistical methodology and application papers.
Qualifications:
Postgraduate qualifications in Biometry or Statistics or related field and extensive relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training.
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 (ACST), Sunday 22nd June 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:
Richard Dickmann
Chief Executive Officer, Australian Plant Phenomics Network
E: richard.dickmann@adelaide.edu.au
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