Research Officer – Soil Microbiology

DPI Agriculture are currently seeking a Research Officer (Soil Microbiology) to join their high performing and dedicated Soils team.

• Ongoing full-time
• Location – Menangle EMAI
• Professional Officer Grade 1/4 
• Offering a salary range from $67,975.00 – $130,553.00 p.a. + superannuation

The candidate may be eligible to apply for admission to the Research Scientist classification after 12 months, if they demonstrate the criteria established.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Regional NSW. We encourage applications from people with a range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. This includes differences in culture, gender, sexual orientation, language and disability status or other attributes. The Department of Regional NSW is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.

About Us 

The Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) was formed in 2020 as a central agency for regional issues. The Department has responsible for building resilient regional economies and communities, strengthening primary industries, managing the use of regional land, overseeing the state’s mineral and mining resources and ensuring government investment in regional NSW is fair and delivers positive outcomes for local communities and businesses.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) supports the development of profitable primary industries that create a more prosperous NSW and contributes to a better environment through the sustainable use of natural resources.

Within NSW DPI, Agriculture (DPI Ag) leads agricultural industry development through extension, science and research, industry policy and regulatory compliance functions to foster sustainable and economic agricultural industries. 

About the role

The Research Officer (Soil Microbiology) will conduct research on soil microbiology related issues and communicate with stakeholders to foster improvements in the productivity and sustainability of agriculture in New South Wales.

This role will be responsible for identifying new research and development opportunities and successfully obtaining substantial co-investment in a dynamic research and funding environment.

You will need demonstrated experience in soil microbiology, and communication with a broad range of stakeholders.

Experience in molecular techniques, Rhizobium, or analyses/interpretation of large and complex data sets, will be highly regarded

Key responsibilities for the Research Officer role will include, but not be limited to:

• Develop, lead and implement research projects to deliver outcomes in accordance with contractual arrangements
• Support research, including establishment and management of experiments, data collection and collation, analyses and reporting
• Maintain excellent relationships with staff within NSW DPI, national/international collaborators, funding bodies, contractors and landholders
• Lead and mentor staff to deliver research outcomes and support team culture
• Actively promote the acceptance and adoption of project findings within NSW DPI and with external collaborators as a means of contributing to the Department’s corporate goals
• Regularly develop and publish scientific journals from research activities
• Liaise with DPI AIRG (Australian Inoculants Research Group) team at EMAI
• Assist in the development and adoption of research results to the wider stakeholder community
• Provide advice on soils and their management to internal and external stakeholders

This role reports to Leader Soil South.

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualifications in relevant Science, Agriculture or related field
• Current NSW Driver Licence and the ability and willingness to travel, including to remote locations

Apply now:

All applications must be submitted online and should include your current resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for this position.

If you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Justine Cox – Leader Soils South on 0438770187 or [email protected] 

Please click here to view the role description.

Applications closing date: Sunday 9 April 2023, 11:55pm

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months. The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.

Why work for Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW)? 

Exciting career pathways and opportunities 

We offer vibrant and exciting career paths for people from a wide range of backgrounds and skills. Once you join the NSW Government, you’ll be supported to develop your skills and expertise through ongoing training, and opportunities to move easily from role to role, and agency to agency across the entire NSW Government. 

Wellbeing

Providing a safe, supportive, ethical, diverse and inclusive workplace for our people is one of our priorities. We run a variety of programs and provide a range of supporting resources to ensure the wellbeing of all our people. 

Our people

Join DRNSW and you’ll be joining a team of more than 4,000 passionate people spread across a diverse range of disciplines and functions including – public works, land services, fisheries, agriculture and biosecurity. If you’re motivated and passionate about making a difference to the people of Regional NSW we invite you to become part of our story.

Inclusion and Flexible Working

We strive to reflect the community we serve and encourage our people to explore new ways of working across Regional NSW. We are open to arrangements that help individuals balance their work and life commitments. We embrace difference and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.