Lead a diverse and talented team delivering high-impact and outcome focused science
- Deliver innovative solutions that tackle the current and emerging challenges/opportunities in agriculture sector
- Drive impact through partnerships with industry, Government, Australian & International innovation networks
- Principal Scientist (PS2), Fixed term up to Three (3) Years
The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) is seeking to appoint a Head, Agriculture Victoria Research to be based in Bundoora within the Agriculture Group. You will work with industry and community stakeholders to support the agriculture, food and fibre sector to become more globally competitive, innovative and resilient. DJPR was established to ensure Victoria's strong economic performance by growing industries and regions.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, Agriculture Victoria, the Head - Agriculture Research is responsible for developing and delivering long term science and technology capability, services and management processes and strategy as well as business cases for investment in research and innovation in Victoria that supports agriculture businesses to transform practices which drive sustainable growth and minimise adverse impacts to the economy, setting and public health and safety.
The Agriculture Victoria Research Branch represents DJPR's agricultural research and development function. Agriculture R&D; is delivered via an 'innovation ecosystem' that converges government, industry/agribusiness and academia/knowledge centres into clustered and collaborative networks, with a clear focus on science and technology for productivity and biosecurity outcomes. It delivers a continuity of research and development activities across DJPR's priority areas while also elevating the importance of agricultural R&D; in DJPR.
As the Head, Agriculture Victoria Research Branch, you will coordinate an inter
- and trans
- disciplinary program of research across multiple sites and facilities, including smart farms and the AgriBio Research Centre.
The Department's values are accountability, integrity and respect, and underpin everything they do.
**Your duties will include**:
- Impact Science Leadership: Provide leadership to generate excellent science to create impact on the economy and environment; set the R&D; strategy; lead a portfolio of research projects to deliver capability & IP to the Victorian government, customers & stakeholders; influence and collaborate across the organisation and the greater innovation system.
- Engagement & Partnerships: Build strategic relationships with national and international stakeholders; communicate effectively and respectfully with staff, customers and partners in the interest of good practice, collaboration, and enhancing Agriculture Victoria's reputation.
- Capability Leadership: Build and support research capability and professional development of scientists; attract, develop and support world class talent; resource planning; build effective teams aligned with the science platform; promote a healthy, safe and environmentally sustainable workplace.
- Resource Leadership: Lead and manage financial resources, people, infrastructure and other assets; ensure effective management of physical infrastructure and resources in an environmentally sustainable way; ensure best practice governance, and management of commercial activities and intellectual property.
**To be considered for this important appointment you will have**:
*
- Relevant post graduate qualifications; and be a senior executive with a proven record of management in a large and complex scientific organisation.
- Demonstrated record of achievement at an executive or senior management level dealing with complex science delivery issues and project or program delivery.
- Extensive experience in leading the development of research programs and developing innovative solutions capable of achieving outcomes in a complex and dynamic operating environment.
- Highly developed analytical, conceptual and critical thinking skills and a demonstrated record of achievement in the agriculture sector.
- Capacity to work flexibly with a diverse range of stakeholders with the ability to build and maintain partnerships and contribute at a senior level in a complex operating environment.
- Advanced interpersonal, written and oral communication skills and a proven ability to influence outcomes at a strategic and project or program level.
- Extensive experience and demonstrated capability to influence and negotiate with industry, and scientific organisations surrounding research outcomes and delivery with an outstanding track record of achievement in commercialisation and intellectual property management at senior management level in a research organisation or industry.
How to Apply
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter - outlining the motivation and relevant capabilities and experience you could bring to this role. This document should not be longer than two pages.
📌 Head, Agriculture Victoria Research
🏢 Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions
📍 Melbourne