Osborne Richardson are delighted to bring you a Plant Pathologist role for our State Government client in central Brisbane. This role will provide hours of approximately 29 per week as standard, Monday to Friday, with a pay range of between $50.31 to $63.83/hr + Super.
This role is a great long-term contract opportunity, running to end of March 2027, with the potential to extend even further. Working within Crop & Food Science/Agri-Science Queensland, you will be part of a passionate team that creates, translates, and embeds innovation in the Queensland agri-system through adaptive research, development, and extension leadership, ensuring Queensland, Australian and global consumers have access to safe, affordable, trusted, sustainable and nutritious products.
As Plant Pathologist, you will:
* Work collaboratively within a team of scientists to undertake high-impact applied research projects on pathogens of cotton, based on industry priorities and departmental goals.
* Conduct pathology diagnostics and assist in the management of the pathology diagnostic and
reporting service for cotton growers across QLD and NSW.
- Provide scientific expertise in molecular biology techniques relevant to plant pathology.
- Independently conduct DNA/RNA extractions, sequencing, LAMP assay, and PCR applications relevant to plant disease diagnostics. Oversee the daily operations of the molecular diagnostics laboratory.
- Isolate fungal and bacterial pathogens from plant samples. Identification and characterisation of pathogens based on microscopy and molecular techniques. Curate and maintain isolates as
required.
- Collate and interpret disease data, prepare and present research in high-quality oral and written form
to the pathology team, industry, peers and investment partners. Provide general pathology advice
and support to industry and communicate project objectives and outcomes as required.
- Undertake research, development, and extension activities to deliver disease management solutions
to the cotton industry.
- Assist project leader in planning field, glasshouse and laboratory experiments when required.
- Develop, design, organise and conduct experiments on pathogens infecting cotton.
- Inoculate experiments utilising laboratory techniques and evaluate disease across experiments.
- Assist project leader in conducting disease surveys in cotton growing throughout Queensland.
- Monitor the incidence and severity of endemic and exotic diseases within crops. Collect plant samples and soil cores suitable for laboratory diagnostics as required.
- Build strong collaborative working relationships (using good interpersonal skills) with members of the pathology team and scientists from other DPI research centres, collaborating organisations, and industry. Work with minimal supervision.
What we need from you:
* A degree in Agricultural Science or Science from a recognised tertiary institution or equivalent qualifications in a field relevant to this position.
* Skills in laboratory, glasshouse and field research techniques relevant to plant pathology.
* Scientific expertise in molecular biology. Experience in molecular plant pathology with demonstrated technical competence in the development and application of DNA based diagnostic methods.
* Prepared to work out of ordinary hours and travel to regional locations as required by the work.
* A valid "C" class vehicle licence.
If you would like to be considered for this great role, please do not hesitate or else someone else will have snagged it before you. Always happy to discuss the opportunity in greater detail, so feel free to contact Owen Millar on or