Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The Opportunity

• Drive the modernisation of technologies to position Agriculture & Food at the forefront of plant breeding science
• Make an impact by enabling science capability that delivers large scale and complex projects
• Embed and shape a culture that supports the delivery of impactful and collaborative science

CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food Business Unit (A&F) is the innovation catalyst for transforming profitability and sustainability in Australia's food and fibre industries and a science leader impacting the globe's agri-food security.

The Crops Program in A&F is focussed on the implementation of advanced breeding technologies and applied crop biology to deliver value and impact for Australia. The Future Breeding Group is one of the four Research Groups in the Crops Program with a role in development and delivery of cutting-edge research using innovative technologies and excellent underpinning science. 

As the Senior R&D Leader - Future Breeding, you will lead the modernisation of crop breeding science in A&F to attract new partnerships and work with core capability in the Group as well as other key capability within and beyond the program to achieve maximum impact. As part of the Crops Program Leadership team, you will provide complementary expertise in research innovation and be accountable for the delivery of specific elements of the Program’s overall impact, science and financial objectives as well as the ongoing development of its strategy. 

As the successful candidate, you will work closely with team and project leaders to develop a vibrant portfolio of outcome-focussed multi-disciplinary research that positions A&F as the leader in crop breeding research. You will creatively implement the vision and direction of the Research Program; contribute to planning and output activities; establish new and maintain existing research partnerships that attract investment; and build collaborative projects that deliver impact aligned with the science and strategy of the Future Breeding group. 

Your duties will include:

• Driving innovation and implementing CSIRO's strategy and Values as a member of the Crops program leadership team.
• Building collaborations and ensuring delivery and impact through business development and partnering activities.
• Integration of 'omics outputs (e.g. pan-genomes, novel quantitative traits, engineered traits) into breeding pipelines.
• Deployment of data science and operations research methodology to optimise breeding programs.
• Leading a diverse group of up to 50 people in geographically dispersed teams, managing performance and developing people's potential.

Location: Brisbane (St Lucia) QLD, Canberra, ACT preferred; other locations by negotiation
Salary: AU$141k - AU$157k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years 
Reference: 79541

To be considered you will need:

• A PhD or an equivalent combination of qualifications, research and industry experience in the field of data driven breeding for agriculture.
• Proven leadership in a relevant field of science, with a track record of translational outcomes or impacts.
• To be able to use data driven breeding approaches that focus on the integration of 'omics outputs (e.g. pan-genomes, novel quantitative traits, engineered traits) to optimise breeding programs.
• A thorough understanding of the processes and constraints of commercial breeding programs and the criteria for successful adoption of novel selection methods and varieties
• A history of driving innovation and implementing change to align activities with strategy and values as part of a leadership team.
• Proven experience in business development and partnering skills to build collaborations and ensure delivery and impact.
• A history of managing performance, developing people's potential and leading a significant change agenda for a diverse group in geographically dispersed teams.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to all candidates. Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.

Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

8 February 2022, 11:00 pm AEDT. We encourage you to apply early as we will begin assessing applications from 12 January.