"Communications Officer (Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration Virtual National Centre)"

Are you passionate about liaising with growers and making a real-world impact in the agricultural sector? Do you thrive in collaborative environments where your communication and networking skills can shine?

Join us and play a key role in the establishment of the Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration (ACDC) Virtual National Centre at the University of Southern Queensland Toowoomba campus.

In collaboration with the Cotton Research Development Corporation (CRDC) and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), UniSQ has been selected as a lead strategic partner for the ACDC which will see our renowned crop scientists lead research into crop disease, shaping a future where cotton production thrives.

Who you are

You will have an agricultural background with existing networks within the cotton or broader agricultural industry, or the ability to build and maintain these connections. Your communication skills are exceptional, and you will enjoy establishing a two-way information flow between the ACDC Virtual National Centre and our partners to amplify knowledge sharing of cotton disease research with grower groups, agronomists and researchers. 

What you'll do

You will work collaboratively with ACDC partners to enhance knowledge exchange between the University and growers and build a strong and enduring community of practice, fostering impactful research outcomes for the cotton industry. 

Your initial priorities will include:

Working closely with the ACDC Director and Manager to demonstrate significant industry outreach and engagement within the first 6 months.

Establishing a detailed communication plan in collaboration with all ACDC partners to support two-way information flow and knowledge sharing.

Developing and facilitating industry focused workshops and other extension activities

Working collaboratively with the ACDC Director and Manager as well as other key stakeholders to develop digital and communication collateral for the Centre.

What will help you succeed

Your ability to proactively establish collaborative relationships with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector and translate research outcomes into practice, will be key to your success in this role. You will also have:

Relevant degree qualification with at least 4 year’s subsequent experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

An ability to contribute to reports and plans and to provide recommendations and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Experience in leading community and industry focussed workshops and reporting on stakeholder engagement within the cotton industry and communities.

For further information about this role, please contact Associate Professor Sambasivam Periyannan, Associate Professor (Crop Molecular Genetics), via +61 7 4631 1502 or Sambasivam.Periyannan@unisq.edu.au. 

To find out more about the ACDC Virtual National Centre, please visit https://www.unisq.edu.au/research/acdc. 

The University offers a range of different ways of working and connecting across our physical and virtual spaces to meet the needs of our students, partners and community. We value diversity and strive to foster an inclusive environment that is underpinned by our values and champions, embraces and respects differences.

We support and encourage applications from all diversity groups. With an increasingly diverse workforce, we understand that careers may be placed on hold or limited throughout many life circumstances.

Find out more about UniSQ at www.usq.edu.au.

Reference Number: 0081_04/24

Location: Toowoomba

Term: Part-time fixed term appointment until 30 June 2028 (18 hrs/week)

Salary: Total remuneration range $57,561 pa to $63,649 pa (includes salary range of $48,636 pa to $53,780 pa, employer super contributions up to 17% and annual leave loading)

Closes: Monday, 2 September 2024 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

At UniSQ we are united by our core values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence, which guide our daily actions and decision-making.

To be considered for this position, you will need to have the right to work in Australia.

If you know that this role is right for you, please submit your current resume together with a two-page (maximum) statement, outlining your skills and experience relative to ‘Who we’re looking for’ in the position description.

For more information on our selection process please refer to your recruitment journey available on our website.

Position Description