The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) is the Victorian Government’s lead agency for creating the conditions to sustainably develop the Victorian economy and grow employment. Our role is to increase jobs, investment, exports and opportunities; stimulate innovation, competitiveness, and confidence; and support sustainability.

The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds.

The Department strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Department offers reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities on request.

SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST - GENETICS

• $90,890 - $109,969 (Plus Superannuation)
• Full Time / Fixed Term for 3 years
• Located at AgriBio, Bundoora

The position of Senior Research Scientist - Genetics is part of the Agriculture Research Division in the Agriculture & Resources Group.

The Agriculture and Resources Group works with industry, primary producers, urban and regional communities to improve liveability and drive sustainable economic growth in the food and fibre, natural resources and energy sectors.

Reporting to the Principal Research Scientist – Computational Biology, you will join a project team working on a strategy to increase the rate of genetic gain in Australian dairy cows and help dairy farmers manage and select their cows for the major drivers of profitability - production, feed efficiency, fertility, health and longevity. 

This position provides the opportunity to make a substantial individual science contribution by leading projects in the areas of quantitative genetics applied to dairy cattle.  You will coordinate and deliver research in a large dairy research project to develop: 1) strategies to improve the reliability and robustness of (genomic) breeding values which drive the rate of genetic gain and 2) breeding values for new and existing traits that contribute to dairy farm profitability and sustainability.

We are seeking an experienced researcher with excellent organisational skills. Experience in the use of genomic prediction and/or the use of mid infra-red spectral data in breeding value prediction would be highly regarded. Publications in key international journals are expected and encouraged, as is supervision of PhD students.  A degree in statistical genetics and/or agricultural genetics and/or computer science is required for this position. Priority will be given to candidates with appropriate PhD qualifications and demonstrated post-doctoral experience in the application of genetics/genomics to agriculture.

For a confidential discussion, please call Jennie Pryce, Principal Research Scientist – Computational Biology on (03) 9032 7048

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department.

For further information on the position, please see the attached position description.  To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button below.  All applications must address the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the position description.

Applications close at midnight on 19 February 2017 and must address the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the Position Description.