Senior Research Fellow or Principal Research Fellow

About The Team

The Food Futures Institute is one of Murdoch University’s research institutes, focused on developing innovating solutions for sustainable food, forestry, and fibre production. This position is based within the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation (CCFI) and the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC).

CCFI conducts research in broadacre and horticultural crops, bringing together academic and research staff who work with industry partners to improve crop yield, quality and resilience. The Centre also supports more than 50 Higher Degree by Research students and is ideally place to capitalise on new technologies and investments in crop agriculture.

SABC is Western Australia’s collaborative university-based centre for agricultural and veterinary biotechnology, providing access to specialised technologies, equipment and research facilities that support collaboration across agricultural, environmental and conversation, molecular, biomedical and veterinary sciences.

Your New Role!  

We are seeking to appoint either a Senior Research Fellow (Level C) or a Principal Research Fellow (Level D) in Murdoch University, South Street Campus.

As a Senior Research Fellow (Level C), you are expected to lead and coordinate innovative genomics and pre- breeding research to advance genetic gain in pulse crops. The role involves delivering multidisciplinary research programs, including field trials, genotyping and sequencing, genomic and bioinformatics analyses, and AI-enabled breeding approaches. You will contribute to genomic resource development, public research outcomes, secure competitive funding, supervise HDR students and research staff, and collaborate with national and international research partners. Working closely with the Director of CCFI/SABC, you will provide scientific leadership in the successful delivery of GRDC-funded project, Achieving Improved Genetic Gain for Yield in Chickpea, Faba Bean and Lentil Using Genetic Diversity, while contributing to Murdoch University’s strategic research priorities in Food and Agriculture.

As a Principal Research Fellow (Level D), you will provide strategic leadership in genomics, functional genomics, pre- breeding and AI-enabled crop improvement across wheat, pulse and horticultural crop research programs. This role involves developing and leading internationally recognised research programs integrating genomics, phenomics, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence, establishing multi-disciplinary research initiatives, fostering strategic partnerships, securing major research funding, supervising and mentoring researchers, and driving the strategic growth and international reputation of CCFI, SABC and Murdoch University.

Your key responsibilities will include –

Senior Research Fellow (Level C)

• Provide strategic leadership in developing and delivering innovative research programs aligned with CCFI priorities, enhancing national and international research impact
• Lead internationally competitive research in genomics, functional genomics, molecular breeding, AI-enabled crop improvement, and related disciplines
• Build and maintain strategic collaborations with universities, government, industry, and international partners to advance multidisciplinary and translational research outcomes
• Secure competitive research funding, leading major grant applications, and oversee high-quality research programs including glasshouse, controlled-environment, and field-based experiments
• Apply advanced genomics, sequencing bioinformatics, molecular genetics, and AI methodologies to deliver impactful crop improvement and agricultural biotechnology outcomes, translating research into practical applications
• Publish high-quality scholarly outputs, supervise and mentor HDR students and research staff, contribute to teaching and postgraduate education, and provide leadership in governance, strategic planning, and professional service activities

Principal Research Fellow (Level D)

• Drive and shape internationally recognised research programs in plant genomics, molecular breeding, artificial intelligence, and crop improvement across diverse agricultural systems
• Lead multidisciplinary research teams and deliver innovative solutions to challenges in crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, and food security, aligned with the University and national research priorities
• Design and oversee complex laboratory, glasshouse, controlled-environment and field-related research programs, applying advanced genomics, sequencing, bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, and AI enabled approaches
• Secure major national and international research funding, develop industry partnership and build strategic collaborations with universities, government agencies, industry, CGIAR centres, and global research organisations
• Translate research discoveries into practical breeding and agricultural applications, promoting industry adoption, commercialisation, and stakeholder engagement
• Produce high-impact research outputs, contribute to the strategic growth and reputation of CCFI and SABC, and provide academic leadership, mentorship, governance, and professional service within the University and broader research community

Please refer to the Position Descriptions for further details.

·       Senior Research Fellow (Level C)

·       Principal Research Fellow (Level D)

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (3 years) |Full Time (37.5 hours per week) position attracts a remuneration of the following

• Level C $141,088- $162,403 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions
• Level D $169,509 - $186,557 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

·       Flexible work arrangements

·       Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role

·       Indigenous Language Allowance

·       Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit

·       Employee Assistance Program

·       On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

·       A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria and qualification requirement(s) (Please refer to the Position Description and Duty Statement)

• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

Senior Research Fellow (Level C)

• PhD in Agricultural Biotechnology, Genetics, Plant Breeding or any other relevant subject with at least five years’ research experience in crop genomics and pre-breeding, and an established national and emerging international research reputation
• Demonstrated ability to develop, lead and manage independent research programs in genomics, functional genomics, molecular breeding, crop improvement or related fields, supported by a strong publication record
• Proven success in securing research outcomes through multidisciplinary projects, collaboration with industry, government and international partners, and translating research into impact
• Demonstrated experience supervising and mentoring HDR students, postdoctoral researchers and research staff, with strong leadership, organisational and project management skills
• Excellent communication skills, including scientific publications, grant writing and presentations, together with a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and a safe, respectful workplace

Principal Research Fellow (Level D)

• PhD in Plant Science, Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, Genomics, Agricultural Biotechnology, or a related discipline, with an internationally recognised reputation and outstanding research impact in plant genomics, functional genomics, molecular breeding, quantitative genetics or related fields
• Demonstrated success leading internationally competitive research programs, securing major national and international research funding, and delivering significant scientific, industry and societal outcomes
• Expertise in plant genomics, functional genomics, molecular breeding, quantitative genetics, high-throughput sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies of crop improvement
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research teams, establish strategic collaborations, and build impactful partnership across universities, industry, government and international organisations
• Demonstrated academic leadership through supervision and mentoring of researchers and HDR students, strategic contributions to research capacity building and governance, and a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and research integrity

Applicants should refer to the Position Description and Duty Statement for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Visa sponsorship and relocation may be available for the right candidate.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Rajeev Varshney, Director of the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre and Director of the Centre for Crop and Food, [email protected] and quote JR105738 as the reference.

Applications Close on 01/11/2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.