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 team-oriented 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 -

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 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 City Council)
🏢 Agri Opportunities
📍 Wagga Wagga City Council