Research scientist

Location: Horsham

Salary: $91,418 - $103,725 Plus Superannuation

Position No: 022486

Please note: Due to Machinery of Government changes under Section 30 of the Public Administration Act (PAA), effective 1 January 2023, your employment will be with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Corporate Services, including payroll, will be provided by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions while a process for the formal transfer of staff in impacted areas is implemented.

The research scientist will provide scientific leadership to Agriculture Victoria Research's (AVR) virology research activities for the National Grains Diagnostics and Surveillance Initiative (NGDSI) – Grains Biosecurity Mission (GBM), which is co-funded by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). The position is aligned with Australian Grains Genebank (AGG) and grains post entry quarantine facility and is based at the Victorian Grains Innovation Park (VGIP), Horsham. The research scientist will establish an enhanced molecular diagnostics capability for screening imported germplasm at the border to detect and characterise exotic pathogens, such as seed-borne viruses. To support this capability, they will develop a one-stop data generation approach for an AGG grains “passport” that includes host and beneficial organism barcodes. They will also develop an advanced diagnostics capability for endemic seed-borne pathogens to support the delivery of high health grains seed for sowing. The successful applicant will be part of the AGG team at Horsham and will work under the guidance of the Senior Research Scientist and Leader of the AGG program. They will report to the Research Leader - Microbiology and collaborate with team members within the Microbiology unit based at the VGIP, Horsham and AgriBio, Bundoora.

The candidate should have experience in virology, molecular diagnostics tools for detection of pathogens including PCR and high throughput sequencing. Knowledge in the application diagnostic tools for enhanced screening for exotic and endemic seed borne pathogens is desirable. They must have good leadership skills, an excellent track record in applied microbiology research, and a publication history in peer-reviewed scientific journals. They will have proven written and verbal communication skills to ensure research outcomes are delivered to key stakeholders such as growers, industry representatives, and funding bodies.

The successful applicant will work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work across the division.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A Post-graduate (PhD) degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an equivalent

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 3 years with a work location of Horsham.

To be considered for this position, applicants should respond to the key selection criteria and submit a resume.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 2 October 2023.  

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.  

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.

For further information including the position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au