Postdoctoral Fellow – Wheat Blast Research – Australian National University, Australia
Quick Overview
The Australian National University (ANU) is offering a rare opportunity to contribute to Australia’s preparedness for wheat blast, an emerging global threat to food security. This position integrates field and glasshouse phenotyping, pre-breeding, and genetic and molecular analysis within a highly collaborative program spanning Australia and Brazil. Based at the NSW DPIRD Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, the appointee will undertake extended annual placements at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, gaining hands-on experience at the centre of wheat blast emergence.
Experience Level: PhD in Plant Pathology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related field
Best Fit: Candidates with ambition to build a career in field crop disease research
Deadline: September 2, 2026
Key Details
| Position | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Project | Wheat blast preparedness for Australia |
| Institution | Australian National University (ANU) |
| Location | NSW DPIRD Wagga Wagga (primary) + Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil (annual placements) |
| Qualification | PhD in Plant Pathology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related field |
| Classification | Academic Level A |
| Salary | $91,546 – $114,906 per annum + 17% superannuation |
| Duration | Continuing (Contingent Funded) – expected end date June 2031 |
| Term | Full-time |
| Deadline | September 2, 2026 |
| Reference | 562858 |
| Apply Via | ANU application portal |
| Contact | Professor Peter Solomon – peter.solomon@anu.edu.au |
What Makes This Position Stand Out
This position offers a rare opportunity to contribute to Australia’s preparedness for wheat blast, an emerging global threat to food security, while developing as a future national leader in this space. The role integrates field and glasshouse phenotyping, pre-breeding, and genetic and molecular analysis within a highly collaborative program spanning Australia and Brazil.
Designed as a development-focused role, the position provides structured training, international exposure, and ownership of key research outputs, equipping the successful candidate with the unique, end-to-end expertise needed to build and lead wheat blast capability in Australia.
Who Should Apply
We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with a strong foundation in plant pathology, plant breeding, or genetics and a clear ambition to build a career in field crop disease research and pre-breeding.
Strong candidates will:
- Have a PhD in Plant Pathology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related field
- Be a hands-on, adaptable scientist excited to integrate field and glasshouse phenotyping with genetic analysis and marker development
- Be eager to develop new skills across these areas
- Thrive in a collaborative, international environment
- Bring genuine enthusiasm for travel and immersive field-based research
- Have strong communication skills and a proactive approach to research
- Demonstrate commitment to building Australia’s biosecurity capability
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $91,546 – $114,906 per annum |
| Superannuation | 17% |
| Term | Continuing (Contingent Funded) to June 2031 |
| Location | Wagga Wagga, NSW (primary) + Brazil (annual placements) |
| Training | Structured training and international exposure |
| Research | End-to-end expertise in wheat blast research |
Application Tips
- Address selection criteria – Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered.
- Highlight plant pathology or breeding experience – Wheat blast research focus.
- Show international collaboration readiness – Brazil placements are a key component.
- Include three referees – Preferably including a current or previous supervisor.
- Apply before deadline – September 2, 2026.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the ANU application portal.
Required documents:
- A statement addressing the selection criteria
- A current CV with names and contact details of at least three referees
- Other documents, if required
Closing Date: September 2, 2026 – 23:55 AEST
Contact: Professor Peter Solomon – peter.solomon@anu.edu.au
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the project focus? Wheat blast preparedness for Australia.
- Where is the position based? Primarily at NSW DPIRD Wagga Wagga, with annual placements at Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil.
- What is the salary? $91,546 – $114,906 per annum + 17% superannuation.
- What is the duration? Continuing (Contingent Funded) to June 2031.
- Is there international travel? Yes, annual extended placements in Brazil.
