Job Description
Principal Research Scientist/ Senior Research Scientist
Salary: Specified Calling Level 3-4 $129,211 - $157,135 pa, Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024
Location: Northam or Other Regional Location
Closing Date: 2026-03-30 3:00 PM (YYYY-MM-DD)
Pillar/directorate:
Primary Industries Development
Branch:
Soil Science and Crop Nutrition
Tenure:
Permanent - Full Time
Position Number:
7019XXXXXX
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) lead the sustainable development of Western Australia’s regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA’s economy, community and environment.
About the opportunity
There is currently one permanent position available for immediate filling.
This is an exciting opportunity to drive and shape the Department’s crop nutrition research across Western Australian cropping systems. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will lead advanced scientific research into nutrient use efficiency, soil constraint amelioration and the mitigation and impact of climate change, developing innovative solutions to complex crop nutrition challenges.
Collaborating closely with industry and scientific partners, you will lead high-impact crop nutrition research and extension outcomes that underpin export-led growth while safeguarding West Australia’s soil and resource base. With a clear, long-term vision for crop nutrition in WA, you will lead and contribute to national crop nutrition projects ensuring that West Australian priorities are represented and that outcomes are translated into measurable on-farm impacts. In so doing you will strengthen national recognition of WA expertise while supporting the profitability and sustainability of the agri-food sector.
You will be responsible for project managing crop nutrition research projects, including leading research direction, coordinating project delivery, managing milestones and reporting requirements, publishing results in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, presenting information to stakeholders and overseeing project budgets to ensure compliance and financial accountability. A key responsibility of the role is to identify emerging gaps and opportunities in crop nutrition and proactively develop new, strategically aligned projects that attract investment and address industry needs.
We are looking for individuals with:
Bachelor or postgraduate degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an approved equivalent.
Demonstrated experience in scientific research and demonstrated knowledge of agri-food industry sustainable production systems with specialist knowledge of crop nutrition.
For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).
The panel will assess your skills, knowledge and experience to determine which classification level you may be considered suitable for. The assessment will take into consideration any relevant Qualification(s) and previous relevant experience.
Equity and Diversity
At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.
How to Apply
Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:
A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of two (2) referees.
A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to this opportunity.
Your cover letter should also include examples from your previous experience and achievements that demonstrate how your personal values align with the departments. For an overview of the department’s values, view the attached DPIRD Applicant Information Kit.
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.
Need further information?
For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Sue Bestow, Manager Soil Science and Crop Nutrition on 0458XXXXXX during office hours.
If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300XXXXXX in first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1943.
Employment Conditions and Additional Information
DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.
You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment at applicant’s expense.
This process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.
The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job-related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.
Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted)
dpird.wa.gov.au
Salary: Specified Calling Level 3-4 $129,211 - $157,135 pa, Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024
Location: Northam or Other Regional Location
Closing Date: 2026-03-30 3:00 PM (YYYY-MM-DD)
Pillar/directorate:
Primary Industries Development
Branch:
Soil Science and Crop Nutrition
Tenure:
Permanent - Full Time
Position Number:
7019XXXXXX
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) lead the sustainable development of Western Australia’s regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA’s economy, community and environment.
About the opportunity
There is currently one permanent position available for immediate filling.
This is an exciting opportunity to drive and shape the Department’s crop nutrition research across Western Australian cropping systems. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will lead advanced scientific research into nutrient use efficiency, soil constraint amelioration and the mitigation and impact of climate change, developing innovative solutions to complex crop nutrition challenges.
Collaborating closely with industry and scientific partners, you will lead high-impact crop nutrition research and extension outcomes that underpin export-led growth while safeguarding West Australia’s soil and resource base. With a clear, long-term vision for crop nutrition in WA, you will lead and contribute to national crop nutrition projects ensuring that West Australian priorities are represented and that outcomes are translated into measurable on-farm impacts. In so doing you will strengthen national recognition of WA expertise while supporting the profitability and sustainability of the agri-food sector.
You will be responsible for project managing crop nutrition research projects, including leading research direction, coordinating project delivery, managing milestones and reporting requirements, publishing results in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, presenting information to stakeholders and overseeing project budgets to ensure compliance and financial accountability. A key responsibility of the role is to identify emerging gaps and opportunities in crop nutrition and proactively develop new, strategically aligned projects that attract investment and address industry needs.
We are looking for individuals with:
Bachelor or postgraduate degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an approved equivalent.
Demonstrated experience in scientific research and demonstrated knowledge of agri-food industry sustainable production systems with specialist knowledge of crop nutrition.
For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).
The panel will assess your skills, knowledge and experience to determine which classification level you may be considered suitable for. The assessment will take into consideration any relevant Qualification(s) and previous relevant experience.
Equity and Diversity
At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.
How to Apply
Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:
A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of two (2) referees.
A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to this opportunity.
Your cover letter should also include examples from your previous experience and achievements that demonstrate how your personal values align with the departments. For an overview of the department’s values, view the attached DPIRD Applicant Information Kit.
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.
Need further information?
For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Sue Bestow, Manager Soil Science and Crop Nutrition on 0458XXXXXX during office hours.
If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300XXXXXX in first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1943.
Employment Conditions and Additional Information
DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.
You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment at applicant’s expense.
This process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.
The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job-related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.
Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted)
dpird.wa.gov.au
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Principal Research Scientist/ Senior Research Scientist position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Northam offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
