RESEARCH SCIENTIST – INSECT CHEMICAL ECOLOGIST

• $85,279 – $96,756 (Plus Superannuation)
• Casual, 3 months
• Usual hours of work: Casual, as required
• Usual work location: Bundoora (Flexibility may be available)

The position of Research Scientist is part of the Agriculture Victoria Research branch in the Agriculture Victoria group.  Agriculture Victoria works with industry and community stakeholders to support the agriculture, food and fibre sector to become more globally competitive, innovative and resilient.

Agriculture Victoria Research invites applications for a chemical ecology research scientist to work on the development of a new “attract and kill” lure for the control of fruit flies and Carpophilus beetles in orchards. The role is suitable for an experienced chemical ecologist with a strong interest in insect-plant interactions and the use of odour attractants for mass trapping and monitoring insects in integrated pest management.

The successful candidate will be working alongside research scientists in the Invertebrate and Weed Sciences group and will focus on the discovery of host and microbial-produced volatile kairomones and aggregation pheromones for fruit flies and carpophilus beetles, which are causing substantial damage to orchards in South East Australia. The main objective of the project is to develop new specific lures for “attract and kill' pest management. The successful candidate will be expected to take an active part in the research which includes behavioural studies, chemical analysis, electrophysiology, development and testing of dispensers and field work

The successful candidate will demonstrate –

• experience in undertaking insect behavioural studies (e.g. olfactometers, wind tunnel), volatiles sampling and analysis (GC-MS, GC-FID) and insect electrophysiology (GC-EAD, GC-SSR);
• experience in undertaking insect trapping research in the orchards, including experimental design, data collection and analyses;
• experience in designing Attract & Kill formulations; and
• excellent written and verbal communication skills.

A PhD in chemical ecology, insect-(microbe)-plant interactions or related research areas is required for this position.

For a confidential discussion, please call Paul Cunningham, Research Leader – invertebrate and Weed Sciences on 03 9032 7382.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department.

For further information on the position, please see the attached position description.  To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now' button below.

Applications close at midnight on 4 March 2020 and must address the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the Position Description.