Associate Lecturer/Lecturer, Soil Science

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a - difference locally and globally.

We now have an opportunity available for passionate early career or established Academic to join our team within the College of Science and Engineering as an Associate Lecturer/Lecturer, Soil Science.

• Full-time; fixed-term to April 2029
• Academic Level A or B $75,942 - $125,774 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• Based at the Cairns Nguma-Bada campus, Smithfield.
• Level of appointment and remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the College of Science and Engineering

The College of Science and Engineering is a comprehensive provider of world class research and undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a range of science, technology and engineering disciplines.

As part of the Academy, the College of Science and Engineering promotes, supports and administers quality teaching, hands-on experiences, industry placements and research at JCU in the areas of Marine Biology & Aquaculture, Zoology and Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Information Technology, Physical Sciences, and Engineering.

We are recognised globally for our excellence in research and we strive to ensure that we bring research directly into our classrooms. Our diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are united by a commitment to excellent teaching, experiential learning opportunities utilising our world class infrastructure and natural laboratories, and a commitment to diversity and respect for difference.

Our postgraduate courses offer professionals opportunities to develop their abilities and advance their careers and our PhD program has launched a thousand research careers.

About the opportunity

This Associate Lecturer/Lecturer, Soil Science, will undertake teaching and research within the Earth and Environmental Sciences academic group of the College of Science and Engineering, in addition to providing administrative, outreach and marketing services for the College and the university.

The Associate Lecturer/Lecturer will be a soil scientist with the ambition to develop and deliver teaching and strategic, world-class research programs in biogeochemical processes affecting soil condition, plant growth, greenhouse gas emissions and water quality. Capacity to develop effective interdisciplinary collaborations, community, government and industry engagement and international partnerships with other universities are also inherent to the position.

The successful candidate must have proven experience or demonstrate the potential to be a successful university teacher with a strong research record in soil science and/or relevant sub-disciplines, particularly biogeochemistry.

What you can bring to the role

• A PhD qualification or equivalent in soil science or related discipline.
• Expertise in soil science, particularly biogeochemical processes affecting soil condition, plant growth, greenhouse gas emissions and/or water quality.
• Demonstrated excellence in research, relative to career opportunity, leading to an emerging publication record and research income portfolio.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organise and implement research projects, and conduct collaborative, multi-disciplinary research within diverse teams.
• Capacity to independently conduct lectures, practicals, and assessment in the relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to relate to staff and students from all backgrounds, and to represent the College to government, industry, community groups and professional bodies.

Shape your future with JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU, our Careers and our locations.

Why JCU?

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Access to online media subscriptions
• Well-equipped campus facilities including cafes and sporting fitness.

What matters to us at JCU?

Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve

Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives

Our Place – the Tropics and beyond

Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

How to Apply

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the Tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form.
2. Upload your current resume.
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role.
4. Upload a separate document in response to the selection criteria as found in the duty descriptor.

Applications close on Monday 3 February 2025 at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Paul Nelson via email at [email protected].

About our process

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.