Research Scientist
Specified Calling Level 2-4 | Full Time – Fixed Term until 30 June 2025 with possibility of extension and/or permanency.
- Build your network by liaising with internal and external stakeholders
- Join a department that values employee work-life balance
What will your typical day look like?
WA produces more than half of Australia’s oats (grain for milling and export hay), and the department supports the oat industry through research, development and extension.
We are looking for a Research Scientist to be part of a WA State Government investment in milling oats through the “Processed Oat Industry Growth Partnership”. You will contribute to the economic development of the agri-food industry with a focus on export-led growth and conduct scientific research and investigational work.
This position will work in projects that seek to improve grain yield (without neglecting kernel weight and other quality traits) in milling oats through a better understanding of the source and sink relationships and the physiology of oat yield per se. The research will be primarily field-based. You will undertake plant and soil measurements during the season, process grain samples after harvest and report the results to project managers, funders and industry.
You will interact with oat industry bodies, including InterGrain (breeding), Western Crop Genetics Alliance (genetics), Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (innovation and market intelligence), and the Grains Industry Association of Western Australia Oat Council (supply chain). At a production level, interaction will be with agricultural consultants, grower groups and growers, and scientists within DPIRD’s Crop Science and Grain Production and Genetics branches.
For further key responsibilities, please see attached JDF.
Enough about us, let’s talk about you.
We seek candidates with plant physiology skills (preferably with cereals), some knowledge of crop genetics, and skills in crop agronomy. Experience with remotely pilot aircraft (RPA) would be a bonus.
The ideal candidate will have a sound knowledge of WA agriculture. They will focus on improving grain oat productivity, profitability, and market fit in Western Australia by employing activities advancing grain oat science. There are also opportunities to work with DPIRD scientists on oat fodder agronomy, barley agronomy, and barley physiology projects. Intrastate travel is expected to achieve project milestones.
You will use your communication skills to consult, advise and convey information to stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes, and work effectively in a team to deliver results to scientific and industry audiences.
For all essential criteria, please see the attached JDF.
Why DPIRD?
At DPIRD, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. We provide professional development opportunities and encourage collaboration within and outside DPIRD. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.
Get ready to apply. It’s simple.
Click the Apply if this is something that excites you! All we need is:
- A resume of no more than three (3) pages, including details of two (2) referees
- A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Essential Work-Related Requirements.
You may apply for multiple levels in the same application. As multiple levels are advertised, please clearly state which level/s you are applying for in your cover letter.
Please refer to the attached JDF/s relating to level(s) you are applying for.
You will need to address the below Work Related Requirements:
- Work-Related Requirement 3 - Challenge for innovation
- Work-Related Requirements 4 - Think strategically
- Work-Related Requirements 5 - Deliver in a changing environment
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. Please note that all Work-Related Requirements will be assessed during the selection process.
Need further information?
We’d love to hear from you!
To have a confidential discussion about this position, contact Blakely Paynter, Senior Research Scientist, on 0427 988 098 (during business hours).
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector, you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment, you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.
You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. This must be acquired at the applicant’s expense before commencement if not held.
Special Requirements for this position:
- Bachelor degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an approved equivalent.
- A current and valid Western Australian “C” class (car) drivers’ license or equivalent is required (if not currently held, must be acquired before commencement at applicant’s expense).
- An acceptable National Police Certificate (police clearance) is required. If not held, it must be acquired before commencement at the applicant’s expense.
- Occasional travel to and from metropolitan and regional offices may be required.
- The contract of employment specifies terms and conditions relating to this position.
- Applicants are advised of the recently announced mandatory vaccination policy for a majority of occupations and workforces in WA. This will be introduced in a phased approach, and more information can be found Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for WA workforces (www.wa.gov.au). Should this policy apply to an offer of employment resulting from this recruitment process, prospective appointees will be advised accordingly.
This process may fill similar vacancies throughout the department or in other regional locations or the Perth Metropolitan Area. In addition, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.
The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job-related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies. Applicants will be advised of this where necessary.
Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00 PM will not be accepted)
CLOSING DATE: Thursday, 14 April 2022 at 4:00 PM WST
