The opportunity:
As our Research Scientist, you will:
• Work with other researchers to plan, develop, co-ordinate and conduct research assessing a range of new crop management practices that seek to improve cotton productivity and efficiency.
• Communicate and build relationships with growers that enables collaboration to test and showcase alternative production methods (e.g. Enhanced efficiency fertilisers, cover cropping etc) that may reduce the greenhouse gas emission intensity of cotton production whilst maintaining productivity.
• Operate various research equipment and undertake measurements at research sites.
• Collect and prepare soil, plant, and water samples including plant biomass, soil, and other samples for analysis from field trials to characterise aspects of crop performance, soil health, greenhouse gas emissions and farming system sustainability, with minimal supervision.
• Monitor crops and implement field treatments that include fertilisers, and crop protectants in accordance with best management practice, with minimum supervision.
• Ensure that trial data is recorded, prepared and quality checked for statistical analysis.
• Actively participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team, building effective working relationships with project team members, external stakeholders and Departmental staff.
• Provide guidance and advice to casual support staff.

Technical Requirements of the role:
We are seeking a person with aptitude; a willingness to be involved and where appropriate get their hands dirty, in a rewarding job that makes a difference to people's lives. The role is well suited to recent graduates who will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills within an experienced RDE team.

This role would extend itself to supporting further study in agriculture (Post-graduate studies) whilst also working and gaining experience.

Key criteria:
• Ability (or ability to learn) to implement experimental designs and procedures, including following protocols, recording activities and observations, and accurately managing varying types of data and records in a timely manner.
• Empathy with farmers and agronomists and an ability to communicate and work with them to test new options to improve their farming systems.
• Ability (or ability to learn) to operate research equipment for field experiments including regular use of boom-sprays, planters, harvesters, soil sampling rigs, drying ovens, soil and plant threshers and grinders.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors and travel, including overnight, to service research sites in southern Queensland.

What we are looking for (qualifications, registrations, experience):
There are some qualifications and licences that we see as essential. You must possess a:
• Bachelor degree or higher in agricultural science, applied science, rural science or equivalent academic qualification with knowledge and/or skills in field based agronomic research.
• a current ‘C' class drivers licence, with the ability to get a manual licence is a requirement so that daily regional travel can be undertaken.

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.

Visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au to learn more about us and what we do.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/652785/25

Closing Date: Tuesday, 19 August 2025