Position Description
Professor of Freshwater Ecology & Director, MDFRC
Position No:
50039704
Department:
Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC)
School:
Life Sciences
Campus/Location:
Wodonga
Classification:
LEVEL E – Research Professor
Employment Type:
Continuing
Position Supervisor:
Number:
Head, School of Life Sciences
Other Benefits:
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/jobs/working/benefits
50000652
Further information about:
La Trobe University - http://www.latrobe.edu.au/about
College of Science, Health and Engineering – http://latrobe.edu.au/SHE
For enquiries only contact:
Prof Mike Clarke TEL: 03 9479 2244 Email: m.clarke@latrobe.edu.au
When preparing an application for a position at La Trobe University, applicants are encouraged to
refer to the Academic Promotions Evidence Matrix
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/policy/documents/academic-promotions-evidence-matrix.pdf The
matrix gives examples of evidence of performance and achievement at each academic level. The
examples given are indicative rather than prescriptive or exhaustive and applicants may include
other examples to demonstrate their performance, achievements and impact. In particular evidence
of research quality, either criteria relevant to ERA or, for applied research, the need for, the quality
of, and impact of the research. Where appropriate applicants for Level D and E should provide
evidence of citations.
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Position Description
Level E, Professor (continuing) and Director of MDFRC (three years)
A Level E research-only academic is expected to have achieved international recognition through
original, innovative and distinguished contributions to their field of research. They will be expected
to provide leadership in their disciplinary field and foster excellence in research, research policy and
research training within the institution, discipline and/or profession and within the scholarly and
general community. All Professors are members of the University’s Academic Board and are
expected to contribute to the leadership not only in their School and College, but also in the
University as a whole.
Position Context
The College of Science, Health and Engineering is one of two colleges at La Trobe University. The
College has seven schools, of which the School of Life Sciences is one. The headquarters of the
Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre is based at the Wodonga Campus, with a second hub of
activity based at the Mildura campus. The position is located at the Wodonga campus. The MDFRC is
an unincorporated joint venture between La Trobe University and the CSIRO
(http://www.mdfrc.org.au/), and has recently entered additional collaborations with the University
of Canberra.
In the first three years of appointment, the position will be responsible for the leadership and
management of the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre as Director, including financial and
project management, staff supervision, and the development and management of the Centre’s
strategic research portfolio and business plan.
Duties will include:

Providing research leadership to scientists based at the MDFRC and ensuring high quality
ecological research is undertaken to provide knowledge to support the effective
management of freshwater ecosystems, in particular within the Murray Darling Basin

Identifying the strategic directions of the MDFRC, preparing a business plan and managing
staff, resources and facilities to meet the needs of the Centre

Ensuring there is clear direction to research and support staff, specifying expectations and
providing appropriate support and regular feedback on performance.

Conduct and lead innovative and high impact research at an internationally distinguished
level and produce high quality publications resulting from that research.

Actively seek external funding opportunities and develop, delegate or coordinate research
proposal submissions. Working with staff, the MDFRC Board and an expanding range of
partners to ensure security of the resources required for ongoing support of the Centre.

Ensuring effective communication with key external stakeholders to assist with the delivery
of knowledge, and to ensure the Centre continues to meet the needs of the community and
to develop financial and community support for the work of the Centre.

Ensuring the effective implementation of university policies and managing the operation and
reporting of the MDFRC to participants

Supervise Higher Degree by Research (HDR) and major Honours or postgraduate research
projects.

Play a leading role in discipline-based mentoring and supporting the development of
research and administrative staff within the Centre to build effective research teams.

Promote and represent the University and discipline/profession by participating in
appropriate local, national and international organisations and events.
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
Undertake other duties as required by the Head of School.
Key Selection Criteria (examples to choose from depending on nature of position)

A relevant PhD and post-doctoral experience in freshwater ecology or similar area.

Outstanding record of scientific impact including through publications, in particular papers in
top-tier and high-impact journals, conference papers, reports and/or professional and/or
technical contributions in the area of ecology.

Demonstrated effectiveness in partnering and liaising with collaborators and relevant
stakeholders from the water management industry and in promoting research links with
outside organisations/agencies.

Demonstrated high level leadership and management experience in leading research teams
or projects and financial management of grants for research projects.

Proven experience in supervising, mentoring and fostering the research activities of others
and contributing effectively at school, faculty and/or university levels.

Demonstrated effectiveness in the preparation of research proposal submissions to external
funding bodies and a substantial record of external research funding through competitive
grants, industry grants or consultancies.

Excellent interpersonal skills in managing large scale projects and complex partnerships.

Superior analytical capability with an ability to communicate complex information clearly
both orally and in writing.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively with staff and students from a
diverse range of backgrounds.
Other relevant information:

The position description is indicative of the initial expectation of the role and subject to
changes to University goals and priorities, activities or focus of the job.
La Trobe Values
At La Trobe, we
 take a world view
 pursue ideas and excellence with energy
 treat people with respect and work together
 are open, friendly and honest
 hold ourselves accountable for making great things happen.
For Human Resource Use Only
Initials:
Date:
Human Resources, HR Assist
Last updated 5/10/2015