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Title:

Research Officer - Scientist

Advertiser:

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry

Location:

Canberra, ACT

Salary etc:

$91,944 - $104,393 p.a. + 15.4% super (APS 6). Full-time or part-time.

Ref:

Job Ref - 2025/69

  • Help solve challenging real-world problems and contribute to longer-term, underpinning projects as well as shorter-term projects addressing pressing biosecurity issues of the day.
  • Applicants should have a history of successfully contributing to project delivery.
  • Applicants must have tertiary qualifications in an appropriate science or social science discipline.

Who we are

The Biosecurity Research and Analysis Branch in ABARES works independently and with the broader research and stakeholder community. Their goal is to provide solutions that contribute to the department's strategic objective of strengthening our national biosecurity system to provide a risk-based approach and an appropriate level of protection for Australia's people, our environment, and economy. The Biosecurity Research and Analysis Branch has several vacancies at the APS6 level (Research Officer - Scientist) in the Social Sciences Program, the Invasive Species Program and the Biosecurity Risk Modelling Program

The Social Sciences Program undertakes applied social science research and analysis across biosecurity, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and natural resource management. All of these activities involve complex interactions between people, natural and industrial systems, often leading to unexpected outcomes. By enhancing our understanding of these relationships, we inform policy options that drive positive change. This is essential for achieving the strategic objectives of the DAFF portfolio and enhancing the wellbeing of Australian society. Our work focuses on understanding individuals, groups, social systems, institutions and behaviours that are required to support decision-making across the department's strategic policy, program and operational functions.

The Invasive Species Program undertakes research and analysis that contributes to Australia's preparedness for the incursion of exotic species and the management of nationally significant established pests, weeds and diseases. The program develops and applies tools, methodologies and risk assessments to underpin the national approach to pre and post border biosecurity.

The Biosecurity Risk Modelling Program informs biosecurity decision-making by developing approaches and producing integrated socio-economic and biophysical analysis to quantify the impacts of pests and diseases, and by developing and applying mathematical and statistical risk management tools, approaches and methods.

The Jobs

The duties of the role will depend on the program you are working in but will include:

  • implementing research and analysis and synthesising, interpreting and communicating findings for government and industry.
  • collaborating with scientists, social scientists, economists, policy advisers and researchers to provide integrated research and advice.
  • presenting research and analysis to diverse audiences by varied means.
  • providing scientific advice and information to the ABARES Executive, policy advisers in government, industry and the public on issues associated with Australia's agriculture, fisheries, forestry, biosecurity and/or natural resource sectors.
  • interacting with industry, government and research stakeholders at meetings, conferences and a range of public forums, and maintaining stakeholder relationships.

Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill three vacancies in the branch. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the division where the duties are of a similar nature.

For further information on economic, research and analysis roles please click here.

Flexible working arrangements

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To seek further information please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

The successful applicants will be able to demonstrate:

  • experience in a relevant scientific area, including but not limited to marine or terrestrial ecology, environmental science, invasive species, quantitative ecology, biosecurity or social science (in areas such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, behavioural science or human geography).
  • a history of successfully contributing to project delivery.

Mandatory qualifications

  • Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate science discipline (environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, quantitative science or social science).
  • Honours or postgraduate qualifications would be an advantage.
nrmjobs.com.au/job/20024734

Date published:

04-Feb-2025

Closing date:

11pm, 25-Feb-2025