Research Assistant in Crop Agronomy

University of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Health and wellbeing programs

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for a Research Assistant in Crop Agronomy, based at the Dookie campus. You will support high-quality agronomy experiments across field, glasshouse and laboratory environments, collaborating with scientists, farmers and industry partners to improve winter crop productivity and profitability.

You will develop broad technical skills in experiment management, machinery operation, sampling workflows and agronomic data collection, contributing to

Qualifications

• Hold or near completion of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related discipline.
• Experience designing/measuring agricultural field experiments with limited supervision.
• Ability to prioritise tasks, manage time/resources and supervise casual staff.
• Strong engagement with farmers, industry bodies and research partners.

Responsibilities

• Assist with designing, establishing and maintaining field, glasshouse and laboratory crop experiments.
• Conduct sampling, measurements and basic analyses with accurate data management.
• Maintain workflows, equipment and machinery; promote safe, efficient research operations.
• Monitor experiment progress; identify issues and escalate to leads.
• Provide task instructions to casual staff and students for project objectives.

Skills

Field experiments

Data collection

Experiment management

Team supervision

Driver's licence

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture or related discipline

Job description

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-Term for 3 yearsFaculty: Faculty of ScienceDepartment/ School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem SciencesSalary: UOM4: $80,400 - $85,328 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

• Hands-on agronomy research across field, glasshouse and laboratory settings / collaborate with leading crop scientists and growers / contribute to productivity gains across Australia's grains industry.
• Join our Crop Agronomy Group and contribute to impactful research improving dryland grain cropping systems.
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity In this role, based at the University of Melbourne's Dookie campus, you will support high-quality agronomy experiments across field, glasshouse and laboratory environments.

You will collaborate with experienced scientists, farmers and industry partners to improve winter crop productivity and profitability.

You will develop broad technical skills in experiment management, machinery operation, sampling workflows and agronomic data collection.

What you will deliver:

• Assist with designing, establishing and maintaining field, glasshouse and laboratory crop experiments under general direction.
• Conduct sampling, measurements and basic analyses, ensuring accurate data collation, management and documentation for research projects.
• Maintain workflows, consumables, equipment and agricultural machinery, promoting safe, efficient and reliable research operations.
• Monitor experiment progress, identify emerging issues, and elevate concerns promptly to project leads and senior staff.
• Provide task instructions to casual staff and students, supporting safe equipment use and achievement of project objectives.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold or are near completion of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agricultural science or related discipline.
• Demonstrate experience managing and measuring agricultural field experiments with limited supervision, delivering high-quality technical support.
• Prioritise competing tasks effectively, managing time, resources and teams of casual staff to meet project goals.
• Engage confidently with farmers, industry bodies and research partners to foster productive, collaborative relationships.
• Maintain physical capacity for repetitive manual handling and outdoor fieldwork in varied and sometimes adverse weather.
• Possess a current Australian driver’s licence, with desirable experience using farm machinery and agricultural chemicals safely.

For further information please refer to the attached Position Description.

What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem SciencesYour new team is the Crop Agronomy Group within the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences. Together, you will tackle real-world challenges in dryland grain production systems across Australia.

You will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary community that connects biophysical, social and technical sciences to deliver impact.

Based at the Dookie Campus, you will enjoy unique field facilities, close industry partnerships and hands-on learning environments.

Be Yourself The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at ***********@unimelb.edu.au.

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on [phone] or at **********@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Want to know more?

Applications close: 29 November 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone (Australian Eastern Daylight Time).

Position Description:

JR-019846 - Research Assistant in Crop Agronomy - PD.docx

JR-019846 - Research Assistant in Crop Agronomy - PD.pdf