Senior Research Scientist - Plant Microbiology

The Senior Research Scientist – Plant Microbiology will provide high level leadership and scientific, technical, and operational expertise to Agriculture Science and Technology’s (AS&T) research and diagnostics portfolio. The role manages a team of technical and scientific staff and will lead, coordinate, and undertake virology and bacteriology diagnostics and research activities within the Microbiology clade, within the Biosecurity Sciences, Pests and Diseases (BSPD) Unit, to underpin Victoria’s agricultural biosecurity, productivity, and sustainability. It will support DEECA’s biosecurity obligations to diagnose and respond to plant disease outbreaks and contribute to the general operational activities to support Crop Health Services quality management system and regulatory accreditation. The role requires proven management and organisational skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills to ensure research and diagnostics outcomes are delivered to key stakeholders such as growers, industry representatives, and funding bodies. The applicant must have an excellent track record in applied microbiology diagnostics and research, with a focus on virology, including a publication history in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The successful candidate will be based at AgriBio, Bundoora, and will work as part of a world-class multidisciplinary program of AS&T and particularly within the BSPD unit. This position will report directly to the Research Leader Microbiology. The successful applicant will work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements, and undertake a wide variety of work across the branch.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Qualifications: A Post-graduate (PhD) degree in Agricultural Science, Science, or an equivalent science qualification, with a focus on plant virology, bacteriology or related field.
• Specialist Expertise: Knowledge and expertise in traditional and molecular plant microbiology, with a focus on bacteria, viruses and virus-like organisms.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge and experience working within a virology or bacteriology diagnostic laboratory, including managing diagnostics resources, under a quality management system such as good laboratory practices or accredited by NATA, and/or biosecurity/ quarantine material (i.e. OGTR or Department of Agriculture).
• Current Driver License

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 3 years. The work location for this position is AgriBio Bundoora with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to address the Key Selection Criteria and submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

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 Wednesday, 10 June 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.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.