Bring legacy to life. For the future of Queensland and the world.

As a Research Scientist, you will work with other researchers to plan, develop, co-ordinate & conduct research assessing a range of new crop management practices that seek to improve cotton productivity and efficiency. You can also expect to increase your knowledge & skills in the areas of crop agronomy, farming systems design and extension practices whilst expanding your networks within the agricultural research community.

This role may at times require out of hours work, travel, weekend work and remote work.

Employment type: Temporary full time until 30 June 2029

Job Ad Reference number: QLD/652785/25

Classification: PO2

Remuneration package:

Total package (PO2):  $86,849 to $110,203

Made up of:

• Salary:  $76,123 to $96,592
• Superannuation (12.75%): $9,705 to $12,315
• Leave loading: $1,021 to $1,295

Additionally:

Locality Allowance:  please refer to the role description for further information

Mandatory Qualifications: 

• It is a mandatory requirement for a Professional Officer to possess an Australian Bachelor degree (AQF level 7 or equivalent) or higher (from a recognised tertiary institution) in agricultural science, applied science, rural science or equivalent academic qualification with knowledge and/or skills in field based agronomic research.
• A current ‘C’ Class driver licence, with the ability to get a manual licence is a requirement so that daily regional travel can be undertaken.

About the Role: 

As our Research Scientist, you will:

• Work with other researchers to plan, develop, co-ordinate and conduct research assessing a range of new crop management practices that seek to improve cotton productivity and efficiency.
• Communicate and build relationships with growers that enables collaboration to test and showcase alternative production methods (e.g. Enhanced efficiency fertilisers, cover cropping etc) that may reduce the greenhouse gas emission intensity of cotton production whilst maintaining productivity.
• Operate various research equipment and undertake measurements at research sites.
• Collect and prepare soil, plant, and water samples including plant biomass, soil, and other samples for analysis from field trials to characterise aspects of crop performance, soil health, greenhouse gas emissions and farming system sustainability, with minimal supervision.
• Monitor crops and implement field treatments that include fertilisers, and crop protectants in accordance with best management practice, with minimum supervision.
• Ensure that trial data is recorded, prepared and quality checked for statistical analysis.
• Actively participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team, building effective working relationships with project team members, external stakeholders and Departmental staff.
• Provide guidance and advice to casual support staff. 

Technical Requirements of the role:

We are seeking a person with aptitude; a willingness to be involved and where appropriate get their hands dirty, in a rewarding job that makes a difference to people’s lives.

The role is well suited to recent graduates who will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills within an experienced RDE team. This role would extend itself to supporting further study in agriculture (Post-graduate studies) whilst also working and gaining experience.

Key criteria:

• Ability (or ability to learn) to implement experimental designs and procedures, including following protocols, recording activities and observations, and accurately managing varying types of data and records in a timely manner.
• Empathy with farmers and agronomists and an ability to communicate and work with them to test new options to improve their farming systems.
• Ability (or ability to learn) to operate research equipment for field experiments, including regular use of boom-sprays, planters, harvesters, soil sampling rigs, drying ovens, soil and plant threshers and grinders.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors and travel, including overnight, to service research sites in southern Queensland.

Citizenship or visa requirements:

To be eligible for this opportunity, you must be an Australian citizen, hold permanent residency status, or possess a visa allowing you to work in Australia.

Applications will remain current for 12 months.

Visit dpi.qld.gov.au and our social media accounts to learn more about what we do.

To apply for this role click on APPLY TO THIS POSITION:

Follow the instructions provided in the role description and cadidate information pack, available through the SmartJobs and Careers website (https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/).

Closing date: Tuesday 19 August 2025

Contact Person: Paul Grundy - 0427 929 172