Research Scientist

Job details
Here’s how the job details align with your profile.
Pay

$+7,+55 - $111,142 a year
Job type

Part-time
 
Location
Victoria•Hybrid work
 
Full job description
Overview
Work type: Fixed term - Flexible

Salary: $+7,+55 - $111,142

Grade: SciB

Occupation: Science

Location: Northern Metropolitan

Reference: VG/50+6236+A/

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 based at AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora and is aligned with Australian Grains Genebank (AGG) and grains post entry quarantine facility 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 be expected to travel to Horsham regularly to meet with the team and ensure the project delivers to their needs. 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.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

A Post-graduate (PhD) degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an equivalent science qualification is mandatory.
This is a fixed term position available for a period of 3 Years. The work location for this position is Bundoora with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter responding to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

Applications close at midnight Sunday, 22 June 2026.

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.


Applications close Sunday 22 June 2026 at 11.5+PM

Posted 06 June 2026