Job Description

This senior leadership role will shape the strategic direction, scientific excellence and long-term impact of the Molecular Plant Breeding unit within the Plant Sciences branch of Agriculture Victoria's Science and Technology (AST) division. The unit delivers high-impact research and innovation to discover, characterise and validate breeding traits that accelerate genetic gain in grain crops critical to Victorian agriculture and the broader Australian grains industry.

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You will be a motivated, self-directed leader with a proven track record in applied and strategic research for grain crop genetic improvement. You will bring expertise in plant physiology and trait discovery and dissection; a strong national and/or international profile, with active industry and research community networks; demonstrated success leading high-performing research teams; and a commitment to cooperative, industry-focused science. You will have excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship building skills, and combine strategic thinking with self-awareness and the ability to deliver outcomes through people and process. You will be adept at identifying emerging research opportunities, forging strong partnerships and translating science into measurable impact.

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The position is based in Horsham within the Plant Sciences Branch, a multidisciplinary team of 75+ scientists and technical staff with expertise spanning plant genetic resources, crop genetic improvement and breeding, grain quality and plant bioinformatics. You will join a collaborative, forward-thinking research environment central to supporting Victoria's and Australia's grains industries, underpinned by world-class infrastructure, leading 'omics platforms and deep domain expertise across multiple scientific disciplines.

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Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

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- Essential: A PhD in plant physiology, plant breeding or a related discipline, with at least 7 years of postdoctoral experience demonstrating expertise in plant physiology and trait discovery and dissection.
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- Essential: A nationally and/or internationally recognised research profile, underpinned by active industry and research networks, with demonstrated success in co-designing and co-delivering research that has translated into breeding outcomes or delivered measurable value to the grains industry.
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- Essential: A track record in attracting research investment and leading multidisciplinary programs, with the ability to build scientific capability and drive innovation in crop genetic improvement.
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- Essential: Demonstrated leadership in building and managing high-performing research teams including mentoring and professional development of staff, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive and impact-focused culture aligned with strategic research objectives.
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- Essential: Demonstrated excellence in stakeholder engagement and communication, with a history of building effective partnerships across industry, government and other external stakeholders to drive co-investment and innovation in grain crops, and the ability to communicate research outcomes and scientific capability to diverse audiences.
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This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2027. The work location for this position is Horsham with hybrid work arrangements available.

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To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter summarising their skills and relevant experience and directly address the Key Selection Criteria.

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Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description , including the mandatory requirements.

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Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

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Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

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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.

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An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

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DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

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We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact [email protected] .

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We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us .

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Applications close Thursday 17 September 2026 at 11.59pm

📌 Research Leader, Trait Physiology (Horsham)
🏢 State Government Of Victoria, Australia
📍 Horsham