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 cooperative 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, ****
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 ****
Term
Full-time
Deadline
September 2, ****
Reference
******
Contact
Professor Peter Solomon ******
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 new 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 ****
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, *********:55 AEST
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📌 Postdoctoral Fellow – Wheat Blast Research – Australian National University, Australia (Wagga Wagga)
🏢 Anu College Of Asia & The Pacific
📍 Wagga Wagga