The opportunity
As our Senior Principal Scientist (Dairy), you will:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the implementation of the DPI Dairy extension strategy, taking into account relevant industry, departmental and government priorities.
• Lead the development, implementation, evaluation and reporting of dairy extension projects to meet strategic regional dairy and government needs from available resources, with leadership of the Dairy Farm Business Resilience program being the primary focus of the position.
• Develop collaborative links and partnerships with relevant sectors of industry, external funding bodies, R&D organisations and other relevant agencies pertaining to implementation of the extension strategy.
• Facilitate on-farm development activities to adapt R&D to regional dairy farming systems.
• Identify, develop and implement innovative development and e-Extension methodologies to influence the adoption by industry of new technologies and practices.
• Develop and maintain close linkages with the University of Queensland at the joint DPI - University of Queensland Gatton Dairy Research Facility and contribute to the strategic direction of the facility.
What we are looking for (qualifications, registrations, experience):
There are some qualifications that we see as essential. You must possess:
• Degree in agricultural science, applied science, rural science or similar from a recognised tertiary institution, or equivalent academic qualification.
• A current 'C' class drivers licence.
You many also have:
• Demonstrated understanding of dairy feeding and production systems, and dairy business management, relevant relationships and interactions within the dairy supply chain and the likely impacts of research, development and extension on Queensland and Australia's dairy productivity and competitiveness, with track record of attracting external funding for RD&E projects.
• Proven knowledge and experience in feeding systems research, development and/or extension with particular emphasis on nutrition and/or forage management and dairy business management.
• Previous extension experience in the Queensland or Australian dairy industry would be highly regarded.
Why work for us?
Learn why our people choose DPI and more importantly why they stay.
• Work with passion and purpose
• Have a tangible impact, for today and tomorrow
• Enjoy interesting, diverse work
• Follow your path wherever it leads
• Get the flexibility and support you need to thrive
• Be part of our one, diverse DPI.
Find purpose you feel, impact you see and a legacy you bring to life.
Join us and help enrich Queensland's agricultural businesses. Visit to learn more about us and what we do.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/673139/25
Closing Date: Monday, 12 January 2026