Research Fellow - Agronomic Nutrient and Water Management

About this Opportunity

• Fixed-Term (until 28.02.2028), Full-Time
• School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences
• CQUniversity Rockhampton  
• Total Remuneration $134,885 to $157,870 pa (including salary of $113,980 to $133,403 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading)

Join an organisation with an unbreakable belief that quality education, training and research should be available to everyone – regardless of background, location or life circumstances.

Working at CQUniversity

The School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, through the Institute of Future Farming Systems, delivers innovative research to support sustainable agriculture in Australia. The Institute works closely with industry and growers to develop practical solutions that enhance productivity, profitability, and environmental resilience.

The Research Fellow – Agronomic Nutrient and Water Management will lead the Nutrient and Water Management Theme within the Australian Sesame Industry Program of Research. This role focuses on irrigation management, nitrogen use efficiency, soil health, and crop optimisation to support scalable and sustainable sesame production systems. Working in a multidisciplinary team and engaging directly with growers and industry partners, the position offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to build an applied research portfolio and deliver real-world impact.

Be Rewarded

• 17% superannuation (with the choice to join an award-winning superfund) 
• 6 weeks annual leave (incl. Christmas and New Year closure)
• 10 days personal/sick leave, plus 5 days carer’s leave
• 7.25 hours engaged service leave
• Fantastic professional and career development opportunities
• Up to 26 weeks (six months) paid parental leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program and Fitness Passport

Position Requirements

• Relevant doctoral qualification or equivalent, plus post-doctoral research experience with evidence of research outputs.
• Ability to engage in research areas of strength and secure external grants/contracts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and provide guidance to others.
• Proven expertise in research methods, including data analysis, interpretation, and preparation of reports and publications.
• Ability to liaise and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Position Description

For further information about this position, please refer to the Position Description.

Apply today for a career that changes lives

Applications Close: 11:59pm, Monday, 12 January 2026

Please note, CQUniversity will be closed from Thursday, 25 December 2025, and will reopen Monday, 5 January 2026. For any vacancy-related questions or technical issues experienced during this time, please email the contact person listed below, and they will respond to you upon their return in the New Year. We wish you a safe and enjoyable festive season.

Job Requisition ID: 6809

Contact Details: 

Tieneke Trotter

(07) 4930 6349

t.trotter@cqu.edu.au

When submitting your application, please include: Your Current CV or Resume, and a 1-2 page Cover Letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience and suitability for the position. Please note, applicants for the position must have full time work rights.

Work Rights: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold the full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this appointment.

CQUniversity is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and CQUniversity’s domestic and international student graduates with post-study work rights are encouraged to apply.

#RFSROSPRF || #LI-AK1 || #LI-Onsite || Keywords: Sesame industry research | Nitrogen management | Irrigation management | Nitrogen use efficiency | Soil health | Crop responses | Production optimisation | Field-based research | Farming systems | Sustainable production systems | Agronomy | Agro-chemistry | Agricultural economics | Supply chain research | Agricultural research | Crop science research | Research Fellow agriculture | Agricultural innovation