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Offer Summary

The University of Melbourne is recruiting a Research Fellow for a four‑year fixed‑term role in the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences. The position focuses on barley stem strength and genetics, using advanced phenotyping, imaging, mechanical testing and genomic tools to improve crop resilience and head retention. Applicants should hold or be near completing a PhD in cereal genetics or a related field and have experience designing and managing field trials. The role offers a competitive salary (Level A, $87,266–$118,416 p.a. plus 17 % super), comprehensive benefits, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for publication, industry collaboration and career development. No visa sponsorship is available; applicants must have valid Australian work rights.

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Project Description

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-Term for 4 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super (PhD entry level $110,319)

Innovative barley phenotyping and genomics project / drive crop resilience and global food security / supportive, interdisciplinary agriculture research school.

Join us to shape future-ready cereal breeding, grow your research profile, and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

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, you will advance barley stem strength research using advanced phenotyping and genomic tools. You will develop high-impact publications, industry collaborations and molecular breeding targets to improve crop resilience and head retention. You will also build your academic trajectory within a supportive team committed to diversity and inclusion.

What you will deliver:

Design, implement and manage cereal field trials to evaluate stem strength, head retention and related traits.

Develop innovative, high-throughput phenotyping methodologies integrating imaging, mechanical testing and sensor-based measurements.

Conduct internationally competitive research, publish in high-impact journals and present findings at seminars and conferences.

Contribute to research proposals, reporting and project administration, supporting funding applications and timely project delivery.

Support training, mentoring and co-supervision of students and junior researchers, and engage industry partners and stakeholders.

You may be a great fit if you:

Hold or are near completing a PhD in cereal genetics or a closely related discipline.

Bring demonstrated experience designing, implementing and evaluating cereal field trials under diverse environmental and management conditions.

Develop innovative phenotyping approaches, ideally combining imaging, mechanical testing or sensor-based measurements for structural traits.

Produce quality research outputs, including journal publications and research reports, with strong scientific writing and communication skills.

Manage projects independently, meeting deadlines, coordinating fieldwork logistics and maintaining accurate experimental and data records.

Engage collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, foster industry partnerships and hold a valid Australian driving licence.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

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

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 Sciences
Joining the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, you become part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary science community tackling global challenges in climate change, food security and sustainable agriculture. The School spans multiple campuses with dedicated agriculture and field research facilities, offering unique opportunities for tailored experimentation and hands-on collaboration. You will work alongside experts in biophysical, social and technical sciences, supported by strong industry and government partnerships, extensive PhD cohorts and a Faculty of Science culture grounded in curiosity, excellence, impact and integrity.

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 be 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 oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

Application essentials:

Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

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.

Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

For queries related to this specific position, contact Mohammad Pourkeirandish at mohammad.p@unimelb.edu.au

For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au

For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: 8 October 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

JR-018540 - Research Fellow in Cereal Stem Strength and Genetics - PD.docx

JR-018540 - Research Fellow in Cereal Stem Strength and Genetics - PD.pdf

Academic Contact

oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au

24/09/2026 Last Update The University of Melbourne unimelb.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com

Research Fellow in Cereal Stem Strength and Genetics

Project Description

Academic Contact

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