The opportunity:
As our Senior Research Scientist, you will:
• Provide strategic leadership for the southern Queensland broadacre cropping component of a large project that will be assessing a range of new agronomic canopy management technologies, that seeks to improve cotton productivity and efficiency.
• Proactively engage and partner with growers to test and showcase both established and emerging production methods that may reduce the greenhouse gas emission intensity of cotton production. This will involve strategically building relationships with growers to conduct on-farm demonstrations of new agronomic practices and low-emission farming systems.
• Assess whether practices that improve productivity and reduce emissions intensity have spin-off benefits for the management of soil borne cotton diseases such as verticillium wilt.
• Work as part of a broader team that includes staff in central Queensland and cross agency collaborators (NSW DPI) who will be undertaking similar activities as well as researchers who are working on improved cotton disease management practices.
• Lead the promotion of research outcomes in conjunction with CottonInfo, the extension arm of the cotton industry, using fit for purpose adult learning processes to ensure key information is available for use by growers, agronomists and interested stakeholders.
• Undertake supervision of other scientific and/or technical staff team members and provide thought leadership within the broader team as required.

Technical Requirements of the role include:
• Extensive knowledge of broadacre cropping systems and associated crop agronomy with cotton experience being advantageous.
• The successful candidate must have a demonstrated track record of being able to successfully communicate and work with growers and their advisors. This includes an ability to ask insightful questions and listen to responses in order to identify agronomic needs and/or potential barriers for practice change (e.g. lower emissions farming system technologies).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct, manage and report the outcomes of field-based research conducted using on-farm research methods.
• Demonstrated networking and coordination skills using adult learning processes and community engagement principles.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team including the supervision of sub-ordinate positions.

What we are looking for (qualifications, registrations, experience):
There are some qualifications that we see as essential. You must possess:
● A Bachelor degree or higher (from a recognised tertiary institution) 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 driver licence.

Why work with us:
United by service and purpose, together, we are moving towards a prosperous future. At DPI you will:
• 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/661068/25

Closing Date: Wednesday, 01 October 2025