Bring legacy to life.
For the future of Queensland and the world. As a Senior Plant Breeder (Pulses), you will work with energetic team members in the tropical pulse breeding team to deliver new varieties to the national industry. You will be part of a team that deliver new disease resistant, high yielding varieties and improved germplasm for broadacre tropical farming systems.

Just imagine what you could achieve with us. #passionandpurpose #DPIcareers

Job details

The opportunity

As a Senior Plant Breeder (Pulses), you will:

• Coordinate and provide leadership for the genomic research component of a current large GRDC-invested project (“National Mungbean Improvement Program”) which executes efficient breeding methodology to release new varieties.
• Use genetic improvement tools such as genomics, phenomics, simulation modelling, software knowledge and advanced statistics to modernise breeding practices. Collaborate with and support the project leader to develop new varieties.
• Build relationships with a broad team of breeders, biometricians and bio informaticists to improve the integration of genomic selection. Collaborate to integrate and streamline management of big data using appropriate computer technology.
• Participate in all aspects of varietal improvement, including breeding field work and data analysis. Co-design and co-deliver upgraded breeding pipelines and strategies.
• Foster linkages with partners, university researchers and external stakeholders to maintain knowledge of statewide, national and international developments in pulse genomics, pre-breeding and predictive breeding research. Maintain a high level of professional competence and contribute to the professional training and development of project staff.
• Communicate complex scientific information effectively with DPI colleagues, partners and stakeholders and prepare verbal and written research reports in accordance with industry, departmental and funding body communication strategies.
• Plan and be responsible for stakeholder and project coordination meetings and represent projects at relevant meetings, forums and committees to achieve Program's goals.
• Contribute to delivery of budgets and project management outcomes in an effective and safe manner. Undertake supervision of other scientific and/or technical staff team members as required and foster a Departmental culture of team achievement, effective use of resources and ethical conduct.

Technical Requirements of the role:

• Extensive experience in applying genomics, molecular datasets and predictive breeding tools to a commercially focused breeding program.
• Experience in broadacre crop genetic improvement, preferably in annual crops.
• Experience in programming and analysing data in “R” would be desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively in multi-disciplinary RDE team spread across multiple worksites, work independently when required and supervise other project staff.

You will have an ability and willingness to travel, including overnight, to service research sites.

What we are looking for:

There are some qualifications that we see as essential. You must possess a:

• A Bachelor degree or higher in Agricultural Science, Applied Science or Rural Science in a field relevant to the position from a recognised tertiary institution. Broadacre dryland pulse research and breeding experience is highly desirable.
• The possession of a Master's or PhD in a relevant area, and experience in implementation of predictive breeding and/or genomic selection 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

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/678901/26
Closing Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026

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)
  
  
  678901 26 Role Description (Word, 237KB)