This leadership position works in the Animal Production Sciences (APS) Branch of Agriculture Victoria Research and undertakes research and innovation (R&I) activities at the Hamilton SmartFarm. The appointee will focus on leading R&I projects that aim to improve the productivity and profitability of pasture-based livestock systems, specifically ovine production systems, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from such systems. This is achieved through innovative R&I and science excellence, supported by technical efficiency, business processes, technology adoption and knowledge management. The appointee will contribute to AVR leadership at the Hamilton SmartFarm and to other associated livestock and forage-based research strategies, project development and organisational activities across APS and AVR, including further development of the Hamilton SmartFarm.

The successful applicant is expected to manage, lead and supervise research scientists and post graduate students. The position will require a well-developed knowledge of more than one discipline.  These include an excellent understanding of agricultural systems, farming systems, ruminant nutrition, grazing and forage management, methane mitigation, and the interaction of different supplements on rumen function and production. The successful applicant will be expected to successfully manage projects, beginning with the delivery of a major funded project investigating the use of multispecies swards for Victorian lamb production systems. 

In addition to delivering program and project work, the successful applicant is expected to contribute time to new program and project development across the livestock and dairy industries, and broader Departmental activities including contributing to strategic planning and decision making as required, including supporting collaboration opportunities at other AVR SmartFarms, particularly Ellinbank and AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBiosciences

You will enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work across the branch. Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A PhD in Ruminant Nutrition, Ruminant Physiology, Methane Mitigation or Agronomy or related disciplines, post-graduate training and relevant work experience is required, coupled with a minimum of 10 years postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience working within the livestock or dairy industries, production practices, and industry organisations, including significant international linkages with other research organisations or industry collaborators. Thorough understanding of Victoria's agricultural industries and several years of experience working in agricultural R&I.
• Extensive research experience in the implementation of animal experimentation, including integrating innovative technologies into measurement protocols, and the subsequent interpretation of generated information.
• Extensive experience of effective leadership of research project teams, management of research projects, supervising other scientists and post-graduate students, and demonstrated experience of working with minimal supervision and displaying high levels of initiative.
• Highly developed communication skills, with proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with peers and key stakeholders, a proven track record of publication of scientific work in science journals and at science conferences, and the ability to effectively present results of research to a range of audiences, including farmer discussion groups, industry and scientific peers.
• A thorough understanding of the principles of Work Health and Safety (WH&S), the application of Animal Ethics standards to research projects.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 36 Months. The work location for this position is Hamilton SmartFarm with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to address the Key Selection Criteria and submit a resume.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements. 

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 27 July 2025.  

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.