The Australian National University (ANU) is offering a rare opportunity to contribute to Australia’s preparedness for wheat blast, an emerging global threat to food security. This position integrates field and glasshouse phenotyping, pre-breeding, and genetic and molecular analysis within a highly collaborative program spanning Australia and Brazil. Based at the NSW DPIRD Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, the appointee will undertake extended annual placements at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, gaining hands-on experience at the centre of wheat blast emergence.

Experience Level: PhD in Plant Pathology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related field
Best Fit: Candidates with ambition to build a career in field crop disease research
Deadline: September 2, 2026

Position Postdoctoral Fellow

Project Wheat blast preparedness for Australia

Institution Australian National University (ANU)

Location NSW DPIRD Wagga Wagga (primary) + Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil (annual placements)

Qualification PhD in Plant Pathology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related field

Classification Academic Level A

Salary $91,546 - $114,906 per annum + 17% superannuation

Duration Continuing (Contingent Funded) - expected end date June 2031

Term Full-time

Deadline September 2, 2026

Reference 562858

Contact Professor Peter Solomon [email protected]

What Makes This Position Stand Out

This position offers a rare opportunity to contribute to Australia’s preparedness for wheat blast, an emerging global threat to food security, while developing as a future national leader in this space. The role integrates field and glasshouse phenotyping, pre-breeding, and genetic and molecular analysis within a highly collaborative program spanning Australia and Brazil.





Designed as a development-focused role, the position provides structured training, international exposure, and ownership of key research outputs, equipping the successful candidate with the unique, end-to-end expertise needed to build and lead wheat blast capability in Australia.

Who Should Apply

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with a strong foundation in plant pathology, plant breeding, or genetics and a clear ambition to build a career in field crop disease research and pre-breeding.

Strong candidates will:

- Have a PhD in Plant Pathology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related field
- Be a hands-on, adaptable scientist excited to integrate field and glasshouse phenotyping with genetic analysis and marker development
- Be eager to develop current skills across these areas
- Thrive in a collaborative, international environment
- Bring genuine enthusiasm for travel and immersive field-based research
- Have strong communication skills and a proactive approach to research
- Demonstrate commitment to building Australia’s biosecurity capability

What They Offer

Details

Salary $91,546 - $114,906 per annum

Superannuation 17%

Term Continuing (Contingent Funded) to June 2031

Location Wagga Wagga, NSW (primary) + Brazil (annual placements)

Training Structured training and international exposure

Research End-to-end expertise in wheat blast research

Application Tips

- Address selection criteria - Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered.
- Highlight plant pathology or breeding experience - Wheat blast research focus.
- Show international collaboration readiness - Brazil placements are a key component.
- Include three referees - Preferably including a current or previous supervisor.

Closing Date September 2, 2026 - 23:55 AEST

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📌 Postdoctoral Fellow – Wheat Blast Research – Australian National University, Australia (Wagga Wagga)
🏢 Agri Opportunities
📍 Wagga Wagga