Principal Research Agronomist

Queensland Government; Toowoomba Regional; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Government seeks a Principal Research Agronomist to provide strategic leadership for the Farming Systems Innovation team and manage a portfolio of RD&E projects that advance productive, profitable and sustainable grain farming across Queensland.

The role requires a PhD in farming systems or plant physiology, a relevant degree, and extensive experience in field experiments, robotics, drones, and satellite data integration.

Qualifications

• A Degree in Agricultural Science, Applied Science, Rural science or equivalent academic qualification from a recognised University.
• A PhD in farming systems, plant physiology or a similar discipline, and at least seven years of progressive research experience spanning academia and industry, is highly desirable.
• Current ‘C' class driver licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the Farming Systems Innovation team to foster a high performing team and build / implement a portfolio of RD&E projects that supports continued innovation for productive, profitable and sustainable farming systems in line with Department and government priorities.
• Develop, lead and conduct a portfolio of RD&E projects that are relevant and rigorous and deliver new insights to growers, agronomists and industry which they need to assess, refine and apply new practices in grain farming systems across Queensland.
• Undertake farming system research, development, and extension activities that inform the Queensland farming systems on how to respond to an increasing variable climate and address major constraints within their system.
• Build and maintain effective and mutually beneficial internal and external relationships and collaborative partnerships with national and state government bodies, industry organisations and stakeholders associated with Farming Systems Innovation in Queensland and more broadly across Australia.
• Initiate and contribute to project development, planning and management including milestone reporting, preparing and managing multi-million-dollar budgets, adapting and responding to change as required and update operational plans accordingly. Evaluate outcomes and prepare project reports for departmental and funding bodies purposes.
• Communicate effectively through a range of methods and negotiate effectively with staff, managers, clients, stakeholders and funders to achieve project outcomes.
• Allocate resources efficiently, ensure timely delivery against competing demands, and handle human resource and operational issues within a dispersed multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Farming systems

Plant physiology

Ag-Tech integration

Field experimentation

Budget management

External funding

Education

PhD in farming systems or plant physiology

Degree in Agricultural Science or equivalent

Current C-class driver license

Tools

Robotics

Drones

Satellite data analytics

Job description

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

As a Principal Research Agronomist, you will provide strategic leadership to the Farming Systems Innovation team and implement a portfolio of innovative research, development, and extension (RD&E) projects that enhance productive, profitable and sustainable grain farming systems.

Bring legacy to life for the future of Queensland and the world. #DPIcareers #passionandpurpose

The Opportunity

As a Principal Research Agronomist, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the Farming Systems Innovation team to foster a high performing team and build / implement a portfolio of Research, Development, and Extension (RD&E) projects that supports continued innovation for productive, profitable and sustainable farming systems in line with Department and government priorities.
• Develop, lead and conduct a portfolio of RD&E projects that are relevant and rigorous and deliver new insights to growers, agronomists and industry which they need to assess, refine and apply new practices in grain farming systems across Queensland.
• Undertake farming system research, development, and extension activities that inform the Queensland farming systems on how to respond to an increasing variable climate and address major constraints within their system.
• Build and maintain effective and mutually beneficial internal and external relationships and collaborative partnerships with national and state government bodies, industry organisations and stakeholders associated with Farming Systems Innovation in Queensland and more broadly across Australia.
• Initiate and contribute to project development, planning and management including milestone reporting, preparing and managing multi-million-dollar budgets, adapting and responding to change as required and update operational plans accordingly. Evaluate outcomes and prepare project reports for departmental and funding bodies purposes.
• Communicate effectively through a range of methods and negotiate effectively with staff, managers, clients, stakeholders and funders to achieve project outcomes.
• Allocate resources efficiently, ensure timely delivery against competing demands, and handle human resource and operational issues within a dispersed multidisciplinary team.

Technical Requirements Of The Role

• Specialist skills in farming systems, plant physiology, and the integration of Ag-Tech into research.
• Extensive knowledge of, and experience in, field experimentation.
• Proficiency in agricultural technologies such as robotics, drones, and satellite data integration.
• Analytical skills, including experience in attracting external funding and managing complex budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, conduct, manage, report, and publish the scientific outcomes of rigorous field-based research using experimental and on-farm research methods.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and participate effectively in multi-disciplinary RDE teams that support widespread integration of research outcomes into regional farming systems, work independently when required and supervise other project staff.

What We Are Looking For (qualifications, Registrations, Experience)

• A Degree in Agricultural Science, Applied Science, Rural science or equivalent academic qualification from a recognised University.
• A PhD in farming systems, plant physiology or a similar discipline, and at least seven years of progressive research experience spanning academia and industry, is highly desirable.
• Current ‘C' class driver 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 united DPI.

Find purpose you feel, impact you see and a legacy you bring to life.

Join us and be a part of preserving Queensland's agricultural landscape.

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/704993/26

Closing Date: Monday, 09 November 2026

Occupational group

Primary Industry & Environment