• Lead vital partnerships and drive real-world biosecurity solutions that shape a resilient, sustainable future
• Drive strategic engagement and innovation across research, industry, and biosecurity policy
• Full time, 3 year fixed-term position based in Launceston

About the opportunity

The Biosecurity Engagement Lead will play a pivotal role in enhancing Tasmania’s resilience to biosecurity threats relevant to the agriculture sector. Working collaboratively with teams from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) and the co-located TAS Farm Innovation Hub (the Hub), this position will lead strategic stakeholder engagement on both state and national biosecurity issues. The role supports research development and ensures its translation into practical outcomes.

In the context of growing biosecurity risks driven by climate change, global trade, and increased travel, this role will be instrumental in coordinating efforts across TIA, the Hub, and the University of Tasmania (UTAS). It will facilitate partnerships with external stakeholders to safeguard Tasmania’s agriculture and food industries. Key areas of focus may include emerging technologies, pest and disease surveillance, risk modelling, invasive species management, providing information to support biosecurity policy development.

What you’ll do:

• Foster strong engagement with the agriculture sector and key Tasmanian stakeholders to support TIA’s biosecurity response.
• Provide targeted biosecurity training, resources, and incursion response scenarios to build industry capacity.
• Advance TIA and Hub biosecurity activities by leveraging expertise and enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Collaborate with researchers and staff to lead biosecurity research, engagement, training, and secure funding.
• Provide strategic advice on biosecurity issues and coordinate implementation of key initiatives.­

What we’re looking for:

• Proven ability to build and sustain networks across the ag sector locally and nationally.
• Skilled in linking academic research with industry to improve biosecurity outcomes.
• Strong communicator of research and policy to diverse stakeholders, including government and industry.
• Excellent project management skills with capacity to lead complex initiatives and manage competing demands.
• Relevant experience in Australia and/or NZ in biosecurity awareness, risk, or policy—ideally connecting research with practice.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 9 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $160,613 comprising base salary within the range of $130,242 to $137,276 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role specific skills, knowledge and experience. You do not need to separately address the personal attributes and core capabilities of the success profile criteria.
• For further information about this position, please contact Kara Barry, Associate Professor in Plant Pathology, [email protected]
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

Position Description - 501189 - Biosecurity Engagement Lead.pdf

Applications close Wednesday, 23 July 2025, 11.55pm

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian on New Zealand citizenship or permanent residence.