Research Assistant

Job Id: 7576- City: Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia- Department:
- Function: Research and Development- Employee Type: Permanent Full Time- Seniority Level: Entry levelDescription:
Primary Responsibility

Effective implementation of the assigned tasks in the grain sorghum breeding program.

Key Result Areas
- Assisting the Plant Breeder in the cost-effective development of new hybrids and varieties as defined, through the effective implementation of the assigned tasks in the product development program.
- Assisting in the implementation of a cost-effective operational plan which will achieve the objectives of the breeding program within budgeted guidelines.
- Ensuring current scientific knowledge is used to maximise personal and program output.
- Supervision of assigned personnel to ensure assigned objectives within the product development program are achieved.
- Ensuring that the Grain Sorghum Breeder is fully informed on the status of all assigned tasks within the product development program.
- To actively participate in ensuring that all Workplace Health and Safety procedures and Advanta / Pacific Seeds safety procedures are adhered to.
- To ensure that all work-related activities are carried out in a manner consistent with Pacific Seeds’- Values, Culture, Procedures

**GMO**
- To ensure that all work is conducted within protocols and procedures for handling both GM and non-GM products.
- To ensure that any breaches of protocol and procedures for handling GM products are reported to the Production Manager.

**Other**
- Assist in the implementation of a cost-effective operational plan which will achieve the objectives of the breeding program within budgeted guidelines.
- Ensure that the Plant Breeder (Sorghum) is fully informed on the status of all assigned tasks within the breeding program.
- Supervision of casual employees in accordance with Company policies and procedures.
- Ensure current scientific knowledge is used and maintained to maximise personal and program output.

**Financial/Administration Management**
- Ensure expenses are managed at or below budgeted levels.
- Ensure all administrative functions are conducted in a timely, accurate and effective manner in accordance with company procedures.

**Safety Responsibilities**
- Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and ensure that their actions or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons.
- Comply with Health, Safety and Environmental policies, procedures, reasonable instructions and actions taken by Pacific Seeds to allow compliance with legislation
- Report workplace hazards and incidents to their supervisor as soon as practical after becoming aware of the hazard or incident.

**Quality Management System Responsibilities**
- Ensure the processes and documented information relevant to the Quality Management System and their role are understood, established, implemented, maintained and improved.
- Adhere to the requirements of the Quality Management System.
- Strive to achieve the company objectives and targets relevant to their role.
- Fix or communicate the problems they find to the appropriate person.
- Contribute to the improvement of the Quality Management System.

**Performance Management**
- Promptly communicate any issues to the Plant Breeder (Sorghum) which may arise in relation to any of the key areas of responsibility.
- Ensure that all work-related activities are carried out in a manner consistent with Pacific Seeds Values, Behaviours, Competencies and Procedures.
- Actively participate in individual development/training opportunities
- Actively participate and be involved in the setting of and completion of annual performance plans & KPI’s in the Performance through People system and the associated performance discussions.
- Ensure adherence to and compliance with all current Company policies and procedures at all times.

**Machinery Usage, Repairs & Maintenance**
- Use all allocated machinery and vehicles in a professional manner to ensure no unnecessary damage occurs and desired life expectancy is reached.
- Maintain all allocated machinery and vehicles in good working order, and in accordance with scheduled servicing requirements.
- Arrange cost-effective additional servicing / modification requirements with third parties as required.
- Stay abreast of developments in the use of research equipment and machinery, and suggest improvements to research protocols accordingly.

**QUALIFICATIONS &/or EXPERIENCE**
- Bachelors degree in Science or Agricultural Science
- At least one year of experience in agriculture-related or field-based research & development activities
- Current C-class driver’s license

**SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE**
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with growing, monitoring and evaluating plants for research purposes
- Basic understanding of biometrics and mendelian genetics
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously
- Be a self-starter with sufficient organisation