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

As our Research Scientist, you will provide local project leadership in conducting research activities to assess a range of new agronomic canopy management technologies to bring about positive changes for the production of cotton as part of Queensland's broadacre cropping systems from both productivity and sustainability perspectives.

Learn more about how we contribute to Queensland everyday:

Job details

The opportunity:

As our Research Scientist, you will:

• Provide local project leadership for a 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.
• Collaborate 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 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.
• Co-ordinate 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 as required

Technical Requirements of the role include:

• Knowledge of broadacre cropping systems and associated agronomy. Cotton experience would be advantageous.
• The successful candidate must possess communication skills that would enable them to engage and work with growers and their advisors. Experience with grower relations would be advantageous.
• An ability to conduct, and report the outcomes, of on-farm research trials.
• An ability to network and undertake stakeholder engagement activities such as field walks, newsletters and workshops.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team including the supervision of subordinate 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/660967/25

Closing Date: Wednesday, 1 October 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)
  
  
  660967 25 - Role Description1 (Word, 239KB)