Bring legacy to life. For the future of Queensland and the world.

As a Senior Research Scientist, you will coordinate, execute and provide leadership for the phosphine fumigation research component of a large Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) - invested project within the Postharvest Commodity Protection Program that will be assessing a range of new fumigation practices which seeks to reduce post-farmgate costs to growers.

Just imagine what you could achieve with us. #DPIcareers

Job details

The opportunity:
As our Senior Research Scientist, you will:

• Coordinate, execute and provide leadership for the phosphine fumigation research component of a large GRDC-invested project within the Postharvest Commodity Protection Program that will be assessing a range of new fumigation practices which seeks to reduce post-farmgate costs to growers.
• Establish research methodology and execute a range of ‘sorption-desorption' profiles for phosphine involving fumigation and several commodities at a range of temperatures.
• Collate experimental data from both laboratory and field trials, their analysis and interpretation.
• Collaborate with growers and bulk grain storage operators to test and establish post-fumigation venting protocols in stored grain, aligned with the new health and safety standards. This will involve building relationships with grain growers and bulk grain handlers to conduct on-farm demonstrations of new fumigation practices.
• Assess whether new post-fumigation practices help reduce post-farmgate costs to grain storers leading to long-term sustainability of phosphine for the management of insect pests of stored grain.
• Work as part of a broader team that includes staff in major bulk grain handling companies including GrainCorp (QLD), Viterra (SA), and CBH (WA) who will be undertaking similar activities as well as researchers who are working on improved stored grain pest management practices.
• Co-ordinate the promotion of research outcomes in conjunction with GRDC's National Grain Storage Extension Team.
• Undertake supervision of team members.

Technical Requirements of the role:

• Strong background knowledge and understanding of the principles of fumigation technology (eg. phosphine) in postharvest commodity protection. In particular, principles of sorption-desorption of fumigants on grain commodities, and integrated pest management.
• Proficiency in gas chromatography.
• Demonstrated track record of being able to successfully communicate and work with grain growers and their advisors. This includes an ability to ask insightful questions and listen to responses in order to identify pest management needs and/or potential barriers for practice change (e.g. new post-fumigation venting standards).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct, manage and report the outcomes of both laboratory and field-based research conducted using on-farm fumigation 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 subordinate positions.
• High level communication skills, both orally and in writing (eg. peer-review research publications), and ability to tailor communication style to suit the audience.

What we are looking for (qualifications, registrations, experience):
There are some qualifications and licences that we see as essential. You must possess a:
• Bachelor or equivalent qualification in Science, with a specialisation in Entomology. The possession of a Master's or PhD, and experience in fumigant research in postharvest commodity protection would be an advantage.
• a current ‘C' class drivers licence

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.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/650776/25  
Closing Date: Friday, 8 August 2025

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• DPI-candidate-information-pack (PDF, 248KB)
  
  
  650776 25 - Role Description (Word, 231KB)