APPN Senior Phenotyping Biometrician

The University of Adelaide

Urrbrae, Adelaide, SA

Other (Science and Technology)

Other (Education and Training)

Full-time

$132,705 - $141,974 plus 17% superannuation

APPN Senior Phenotyping Biometrician

HEO9 ($132,705–141,974) | Full-Time

36-month 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. 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 analyze longitudinal data and generate high-quality graphical outputs.

Demonstrated high-level interpersonal skills in working as a member of a multidisciplinary research team that includes plant scientists.

Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment 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 organizational values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence, and discovery, and a commitment to positively comply with the associated behavior expectations.

Desirable

A track record of publication that includes statistical methodology and application papers.

Qualifications:

Postgraduate qualifications in biometry or statistics or a 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 well-being 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—offer you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-caliber 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 endeavor—provides a constant source of inspiration.

Chief Executive Officer, Australian Plant Phenomics Network

NOTE: Never make payment to any employer, person, company, contractor or agency to get hired for a Job.

E: richard.dickmann@adelaide.edu.au