Overview
Sugar Research Australia (SRA) is Australia's specialist sugarcane research organisation. We invest in evidence-based research, development and adoption (RD&A) activities on behalf of sugarcane growers and millers to meet industry challenges and opportunities.
We are looking for a Senior Variety Development Manager (****** - Research and Development Manager) to join the team This role is responsible for coordinating advanced breeding programs that lead directly to commercial variety release, managing multi-region field trials, clean seed production, and the dissemination of performance data to industry stakeholders.
The position plays a key leadership role in strategic research planning, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement, and the supervision of technical and operational staff. This position is a full-time position, working 38 hours per week in Gordonvale, QLD, 4865.
Main Tasks
* Plan, coordinate and manage sugarcane breeding activities that lead directly to commercial variety release across Northern, Burdekin and Herbert regions.
* Oversee multi-region final assessment trials, clean seed production and quality testing for commercial distribution.
* Lead the evaluation and selection of new germplasm, experimental clones and parent material to assess commercial potential.
* Manage the collection, analysis and dissemination of performance data to support adoption of new varieties by growers and industry participants.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, advisors, millers and industry bodies to support variety promotion and adoption.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of new breeding technologies and innovative production methods.
* Provide strategic input into research investment decisions, pre‑breeding priorities and international commercialisation opportunities.
* Lead, supervise and develop technical, operational and field staff, including workforce planning and performance management.
* Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety, biosecurity, risk management and organisational policies.
* Identify and manage operational and strategic risks associated with breeding, research and deployment activities.
Required/Relevant Qualifications & Work Experience
* Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Science, Agricultural Science or equivalent; and
* At least 10 years' practical experience in plant and/or crop breeding.
Required/Relevant Skills & Knowledge
* Extensive knowledge of applied crop improvement and plant breeding, preferably within sugarcane or a closely related crop.
* Strong leadership and management skills with experience overseeing complex research and operational programs.
* Demonstrated ability to apply scientific disciplines such as genetics, phenotyping and agronomy to commercial breeding outcomes.
* Proven capability in managing multi‑site trials, logistics and data‑driven research environments.
* Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across industry and research communities.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
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