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. To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website.
About the opportunity
There is currently (1) fixed term (until 30 June 2028) full time position with the possibility of extension and/or permanency available for immediate filling.
DPIRD is host to the WA node of the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN), a National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program, supported by the Commonwealth Government. APPN supports Agricultural research by providing access to cutting-edge plant phenotyping equipment.
DPIRD is seeking a Research Scientist (Crop Phenotyping) to join the WA node of the APPN team. In this role, you will develop, implement, and manage high-throughput field phenotyping facilities at the Merredin Research Station and Northam. You will lead the advancement of proximal and remote sensing technologies, crop physiology methods, and other digital tools for phenotyping. Working within a multidisciplinary team of crop and data scientists, you will integrate your expertise in crop phenotyping and sensing technologies to deliver phenotyping services that support researchers and the wider industry. This position involves extensive travel in the Wheatbelt region during the cropping season.
We are looking for individuals with:
- Expertise in crop phenotyping and sensing technologies, with demonstrated experience working in field conditions.
- Sound knowledge and understanding of scientific research in the field of crop phenotyping, and the use of data science in phenotyping.
- Bachelor degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an approved equivalent.
- A current and valid Western Australian "C" or “C-A” class (car) drivers’ license or equivalent.
- Remote Pilot’s License (RePL), or willingness to obtain upon appointment
If you are tech-savvy, passionate about cutting-edge technology, and excited to tackle challenges in agricultural research, we encourage you to apply!
For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Forms (JDFs).
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.
- A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to this opportunity as outlined in the advertisement.
Please tailor your application towards the highest level you wish to be considered for. The panel will consider applicant knowledge, experience and skills to determine if applicants are found suitable at either Specified Calling Level (SCL) 1 or 2 as per the attached JDFs.
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. Please note you do not have to address the work-related requirements at this stage. 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 Hammad Khan, Senior Research Scientist on 0457 008 971 during office hours.
If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in the first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1943.
Employment Conditions and Additional Information
DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.
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, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. 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).
