Applications open for successful EP grains research intern program
A rare opportunity is set to open for a new graduate to join a team of experts as an intern working on projects in applied grains research, development and extension on the Eyre Peninsula.
Established in 2021, the internship program has already supported four graduates to complete on-ground training and develop their applied research skills.
Now, the program is about to open for applications for its fifth year, giving the successful candidate the chance to work across a wide range of agricultural research projects in partnership with AIR EP, EPAG Research, SARDI and the wider EP farming sector.
AIR EP Executive Officer Naomi Scholz said the program affords new agriculture graduates valuable hands-on experience, while also contributing to local research and attracting skilled people into local careers.
“AIR EP is excited to partner with SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre and the EP agriculture sector for the fifth year to offer this rare opportunity for a new graduate to join our team of researchers,” Ms Scholz said.
“The internship program has successfully launched the careers of graduates looking to enter the agricultural industry, with all four of our past interns going on to find local employment in the field.
“The program is also hugely beneficial for agricultural research on the EP, because it allows us to expand our capacity for additional research and development activities. Not only do our interns get hands-on experience working across different farming systems and building their professional networks, they also contribute through designing and delivering their own research project.”
The internship program is funded by the SA Grains Industry Trust (SAGIT) and SA Drought Hub and is offered in partnership with AIR EP and SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre.
It is open to final-year or recently graduated students from an agriculture-related degree.
Through the program, the successful intern will identify a suitable research question, design and run their own agricultural research trial, analyse the results and present their findings to local farmers.
They will also work alongside research teams on ongoing research projects assisting with on-ground trials, attend local farming and environment events, and meet with farmers and industry advisors to learn about local issues and opportunities to address through research, development and extension.
The application process officially opens mid-year, but expressions of interest can be made early by contacting Rowena at AIR EP rowena.norris@airep.com.au for further information.
AIR EP also congratulates and farewells its fourth grains intern, Alex Busch, hosted by EPAG Research, who has spent the past year working alongside the team on the EP.
Alex successfully completed his 12-month internship and associated project, which focused on repairing historical poor or unsuccessful soil amelioration efforts, to improve productivity of soils.
Throughout the internship, Alex attended various extension events, including farmer meetings, research updates and crop walks.
He also undertook professional development activities such as facilitation and extension training and conferences, such as the Soil CRC conference in Wagga Wagga, and assisted with research trial field work throughout the season.
While undertaking his internship, Alex started his masters with the University of SA, and in March this year he returned to Adelaide to complete his masters in managing soil constraints post amelioration.
He is returning to the EP intermittently to monitor project field sites.
For more information about AIR EP and its projects, visit https://airep.com.au/