Research Scientist
Specified Calling Level 2-3 | Permanent
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) lead the sustainable development of Western Australia’s regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA’s economy, community and environment.
About the opportunity
WA is a major producer and exporter of Australia’s grains and the Department supports the grains industry through research, development, and extension. We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Scientist to lead our high-resolution crop phenotypic data capture and processing work. This position will work with the crop scientists in contributing to the economic development of the grains agri-food industry in Western Australia.
There is currently one (1) full time, permanent position available for immediate filling.
In this role, you will lead the development of a high-throughput digital phenotyping solutions applied to crop science programs, reducing the dependency on manual approaches and improving data accuracy. Working in a multidisciplinary research team of crop scientists, you will employ your expertise in remote sensing and image collection, and big data analytics including artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and 2D/3D computer vision to develop models/workflows that accurately predict crop phenotypes. You will be applying your skills to engage and collaborate with various industry bodies, breeding companies, agricultural consultants, grower groups and growers, and scientists within DPIRD’s Grains directorate.
The key responsibilities include but not limited to:
- identify and develop methods to acquire and manage remote sensing imagery;
- test and validate data collection and data analytics across a range of crops;
- develop an image-based platform containing automatic workflows for extraction of novel high-throughput phenotyping traits using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques
We seek candidates with expertise in crop or landscape phenotyping, remote sensing, and/or use of computer vision and AI/ML techniques for data extraction and analysis. Experience with multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal or light detection and ranging (LiDAR) image collection and processing is highly desirable.
We are looking for individuals with a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Science, Bachelor degree in Science or an approved equivalent.
For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Equity and Diversity
At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. 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.
How to Apply
Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:
- A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of two (2) referees (one being your current manager).
- A cover letter of no more than three (3) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Work Related Requirement/s:
- Work Related Requirement 1 – Role Specific
- Work-Related Requirement 3 – Challenge for innovation
- Work-Related Requirement 4 – Think strategically
- Work-Related Requirement 5 – Deliver in a changing environment
As there are multiple levels being advertised, please clearly state which level/s you are applying for in your cover letter. You may apply for multiple levels in the same application.
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.
Need further information?
For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Bob French Manager Crop Science and Grain Production, on (08) 9081 3126.
If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1943.
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. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment at applicant’s expense.
This process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, part time, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at regional locations and the Perth Metropolitan Area. In addition to this, 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 a period of 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 as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.
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 4:00pm will not be accepted)
CLOSING DATE: Thursday 25 May 2023 at 4:00 PM WST
