• Full-time, fixed-term position for 2 years

About Us
Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led university, located in the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing, economically significant region. The University has 11 campuses in Sydney, as well as campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Surabaya, Indonesia, with plans for two campuses in India. With over 200,000 alumni, almost 50,000 students, and approximately 3,500 staff, the University promotes a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative culture focused on research and dedicated to student-centered excellence.

Western’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a premier research institute conducting fundamental and applied research in plant biology, genetics, physiology, horticulture, agricultural ecology, and global change biology. Within the past decade, the Institute has become a world-leading centre of excellence in the environmental responses to climate change and ecosystem function. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, the Institute collaborates widely with Australian and international institutions to craft scientific research of the highest calibre.
To learn more please visit our webpage www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie

The Opportunity
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Stingless Bee Health to join the dynamic HIE Pollination Research Team in a position supported by the Hort Frontiers project " Supporting the health and expansion of the Australian stingless bee industry ".

The successful candidate will conduct research on how pesticides and pests and diseases influence the health of stingless bees used for pollination services in horticultural cropping environments. The wider stingless bee project involves research on stingless bee diets, hive propagation methods, deployment strategies in orchards, and stingless bee management in protected cropping. In addition, we are testing the efficiency of managed stingless bees in pollinating a range of established and emerging horticultural crops. Pollination is a key aspect of food security and the research will improve understanding of how to manage native stingless bee hives effectively in horticultural settings.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will undertake experimental research to investigate how stingless bees are impacted by the main agrochemicals used in orchards and glasshouses where managed stingless bees provide pollination services (Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management). In addition, they will conduct research on the hygienic behaviour of stingless bees and the extent to which this may defend colonies against pests and diseases. The data generated will also assist developing appropriate pesticide and pest and disease mitigation strategies for the stingless bee industry and horticultural producers using pollination services.

The wider project involves collaboration with other researchers at Griffith University, commercial stingless beekeepers and crop growers. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will also interact with beekeepers and crop growers to collect information on farm chemical use and pest and disease issues of managed stingless bee colonies. The Fellow will communicate findings at scientific meetings and publish research in high-impact international journals, as well as provide research updates for funders and industry stakeholders. A career mentoring plan will be developed and will include opportunities to contribute to teaching and supervising students, as well as leadership and engagement.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 2 years predominantly based at the Hawkesbury Campus of WSU in Richmond. Some field work will take place in rural cropping regions in New South Wales and other States, involving driving a motor car.

About You
The successful applicant will have a PhD degree or equivalent professional experience in a research field related to stingless bee health. Applicants are expected to have knowledge and experience in entomology and animal behaviour, including collection and analysis of data from manipulative experiments. Statistical knowledge and experience using relevant statistical platforms is a must. A valid driving license enabling the successful applicant to drive in NSW is essential.

Please review the position description for further information.

Benefits
At Western Sydney University, we deeply value our staff and recognise their invaluable contributions that drive our mission and uphold our values. In return for your dedication, we offer:

• 17% super contributions
• 35 hour work week
• Salary Packaging options

If this sounds like an opportunity for you, we want to hear from you!

Remuneration Package: Academic Level A $109,861 to $132,730 p.a. (comprising Salary of $92,834 to $112,158 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)

Position Enquiries: Please direct enquires about the role to Professor James Cook via email at [email protected]

Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Recruitment Team at [email protected]

Closing Date: 8:30pm, Sunday 17 November 2024

How to Apply: Please use the following link to be directed to Western Sydney University’s website, to submit your application: https://uws.nga.net.au/?jati=33F35BDC-45BC-ED26-13D4-DAA6D805336Chttps://uws.nga.net.au/?jati=33F35BDC-45BC-ED26-13D4-DAA6D805336C

Immigration Sponsorship
Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.

Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.