Research Scientist

Join Agriculture Victoria Microbiology group and deliver research in plant and animal bacteriology and virology, with a focus on biosecurity, diagnostics and surveillance, and management of plant and animal diseases.

Under the guidance of the Research Leader Microbiology and the Senior Research Scientist Microbiology, the successful applicant will contribute to and provide leadership for the Hort Innovation project, BY22011 Streamlining diagnostics for horticultural seeds imported into Australia to develop targeted high throughput sequencing (HTS) sequencing approaches for detection of seed borne pathogens.

The successful applicant will be required to conduct laboratory- and field- based research, prepare milestone reports and standard operating procedures (SOPs). You will be required to train end-users in the methodology developed in the project. The good leadership skills, an excellent track record in applied microbiology research, excellent technical skills including experience in HTS, 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 to Research Scientist – Plant Microbiology will have the opportunity to assist in the day-to-day supervision of PhD students.

You will enjoy flexible working arrangements and be part of a multidisciplinary team that conducts a wide variety of work across the Microbial Sciences, Pests and Diseases Branch. The position offers opportunities to be trained in diverse aspects of pest management research, diagnostics and emergency disease response. The position will be based at the AgriBio Centre, in Bundoora (Melbourne).

If you are passionate about advancing agricultural research and contributing to biosecurity and disease management, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

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

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A PhD in the field of plant microbiology.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 2 years. The work location for this position is Bundoora, Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday, 27 August 2024.

Other relevant information:

For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the .

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.