Job Description
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, ****
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 explicit 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 (Western Australia)
🏢 Anu College Of Asia & The Pacific
📍 Western Australia