Associate Professor in Agricultural Biotechnology

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE Research Field Agricultural sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Australia Application Deadline 9 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Role type: Full-time; Continuing
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
Salary: Level D: $183,859 - $202,556 p.a. plus 17% super

- Drive innovative research, leverage world-class facilities, and collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of biotechnology.

- Apply now to drive innovation and lead projects tackling agriculture's greatest challenges.

- Investing in you – 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 pivotal leadership role, you will drive innovative research, education, and industry collaboration in Agricultural Biotechnology, shaping the future of sustainable food production systems. You will have the opportunity to leverage state‑of‑the‑art research facilities, work alongside industry partners, and contribute to the University's globally recognised expertise in this field. With access to world‑class infrastructure and interdisciplinary networks, you will lead transformative projects addressing key challenges in crop, plant, and animal improvement, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and the development of novel bio‑based products and technologies.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Research and Research Training: Undertake internationally competitive research, publish in high‑impact journals, secure funding, supervise postgraduate students, and foster industry collaborations.

- Education and Learning: Contribute to teaching programmes, develop innovative curricula, deliver high‑quality learning experiences, and mentor junior staff.

- Leadership and Service: Participate in strategic planning, promote public awareness, and uphold University values of diversity, inclusion, and ethical integrity.

- Staff Supervision: Manage performance, provide coaching and career development opportunities, allocate workloads, and ensure staff induction and training.

- Administrative Duties: Undertake administrative tasks, participate in professional development, and ensure occupational health and safety compliance.

You may be a great fit if: You are an exceptional academic leader with a distinguished international reputation in Agricultural Biotechnology, committed to driving research excellence, delivering outstanding educational outcomes, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

You also:

- Possess a PhD in a relevant field and an outstanding research track record.

- Demonstrate exceptional teaching and curriculum development skills.

- Have a proven ability to secure research funding and manage large‑scale projects.

- Exhibit strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

- Possess a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and ethical conduct.

- Have experience supervising and mentoring staff and students.

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 fulfillment, including:

- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well‑being

- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work‑life balance

- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance

- 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
The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES) has a vision of flourishing environments and communities. It brings together diverse discipline strengths to lead the development of new interdisciplinary thinking and high‑impact solutions for global challenges relating to climate change, food security, healthy food systems, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, invasive species, and environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices. Our expertise spans biophysical, social and technical sciences, and we support a large cohort of PhD students across these domains.

Science at Melbourne is a global leader across discovery and applied scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub‑atomic particles to the solar system. The faculty is home to seven schools: Agriculture, Food & Ecosystem Sciences; BioSciences; Chemistry; Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences; Mathematics & Statistics; Physics; and Melbourne Veterinary School.

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child‑safe organisation. We believe 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 reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr‑careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: ‘Recruitment Adjustments’). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page. Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied‑hr@unimelb.edu.au for further information and support.

Visa sponsorship is available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we’ll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential
If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

- Resume

- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

- The responses against the Selection Criteria (found in the Position Description)

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs. For recruitment queries, email Oliver Bukasa hr‑careers@unimelb.edu.au. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address. For job‑specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close: 9 January 2026 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. Position Description: JR-005726 – Associate Professor in Agricultural Biotechnology_PD.pdf

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