Research Leader, Trait Physiology

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.

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 collaborative, 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.

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.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2027. The work location for this position is Horsham with hybrid work arrangements available.

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.

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

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

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Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

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

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.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

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

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 aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

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.