PLANT PATHOLOGIST - RUST DISEASES
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Classification: Professional Officer Grade 1-4
Location: Menangle
Employment Status: Permanent Full Time
Branch: Biosecurity NSW
Closing Date: 30 May 2012

Total remuneration package to $113,188. Package includes salary ($53,407- $102,572), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

Responsibilities
Conduct research to reduce impact of diseases caused by rust fungi, provide key specialist plant pathology support to DPI in diagnostics and biosecurity management. This position is essential to maintaining the strategic capability and capacity of DPI’s Plant Biosecurity research and underpins the Department’s role in delivering research, diagnostics and biosecurity to the grains industry. There are continued opportunities for innovative, market driven research to develop disease management options for industry.

Selection Criteria
• Degree in Agriculture or Science or equivalent, with extensive postgraduate training in plant pathology.
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory and field-based research in plant pathology, including disease diagnosis.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to collaborative research, including the ability to develop scientific project proposals.
• Excellent communication, writing, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Sound knowledge of rusts and other plant diseases in Australia, particularly as affect the grains industry.
• Proven ability to design, conduct, analyse and publish field and laboratory trials, without direct supervision.
• A sound understanding of scientific method, analysis and interpretation of data.
• Proven ability to manage projects, budgets, staff and to meet project deadlines.

Note: The successful applicant may be required to undergo a medical/occupational assessment.

For further information including the position description, and to
apply online, applicants should go to
http://www.jobs.nsw.gov.au and search for Job Reference No: 0000106D.

Enquiries Dr Deborah Hailstones phone 0438 213 768 or 02 4640 6442
Email: deborah.hailstones@dpi.nsw.gov.au