The Research Leader – Soil and Crop Agronomy leads a multidisciplinary team delivering cutting-edge research and innovation in crop agronomy and soil science to support the dairy, grains, livestock, and horticulture industries. The team operates across multiple Agriculture Victoria SmartFarms and the AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, enabling collaboration across diverse agricultural systems and regions.
This role is accountable for the leadership, management, development, and strategic direction of science outcomes within the Agriculture Victoria Science & Technology (AS&T) Soil and Crop Agronomy team. The position ensures alignment with organisational and industry strategies and advocates for the team's capabilities both internally and externally. Key responsibilities include, driving excellence in research, science delivery, and capability management, leading innovative, multidisciplinary programs and projects, attracting external investment to sustain and grow science capability, providing scientific direction and mentoring to scientists, technical staff, and postgraduate students and maintaining national and international networks in soil science and crop agronomy.
The Research Leader reports to the Research Director, Crop and Resource Sciences, and collaborates with other Research Directors and science leaders across AS&T to shape the vision and direction of soil and crop agronomy research.
Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications
Essential:
* A PhD degree in Science with postgraduate experience in soil science and/or grain agronomy, with a minimum of 10 years postdoctoral research experience.
* Extensive experience in leading, developing, resourcing and managing science-based teams.
* Extensive experience and established successful track record in the attraction of investment in R&I programs and projects for industry, government, universities (including stipends for students) and commercial businesses.
Desirable:
* Strong networks in the grains, dairy, horticulture and/or livestock industries including national and internationally recognised expertise in soil and/or grains agronomy R&I, with an established track record of successful co-design, co-leadership in delivering program and project outcomes.
This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Horsham with hybrid work arrangements available.
To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.
Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.
How to Apply:
Please apply via DEECA Careers.
Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 18th January 2026.
All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.
Other relevant information:
Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form.
To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.
A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace
DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.