• Drive high-impact agricultural research partnerships across WA’s leading institutions.
• Broker collaboration, attract investment, and facilitate research aligned with real-world industry challenges.
• Two full-time appointments available, on a fixed-term basis until 30 June 2026, with a possibility for extension.
• Secondments from partner organisations welcome | Base salary range: $167,408 – $172,584 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area
The WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC) is a state-wide strategic alliance between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), CSIRO, Grower Group Alliance (GGA), Murdoch University, Curtin University, and The University of Western Australia (UWA). WAARC is reinvigorating WA’s agricultural research ecosystem by aligning research with industry priorities and enabling world-class, applied research across the supply chain. WAARC connects researchers, growers, and industry to deliver practical impact for Western Australia’s agricultural sector.

About the opportunity

• Identify, scope, and prioritise high-value research opportunities that address WA’s agricultural needs and align with WAARC’s strategic goals.
• Facilitate collaboration between researchers, industry partners, and funders to co-design impactful projects and secure external investment.
• Support funding proposal development, partnership brokering, and project tracking across WAARC’s research themes.

About you

• Postgraduate qualification (Master’s or PhD preferred but not essential) in agriculture, science, innovation management, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in agricultural research coordination, funding strategy, and industry engagement.
• Demonstrated success in developing and supporting interdisciplinary research collaborations and investment proposals.
• Strong understanding of WA’s agricultural landscape, with a well-established network of research and industry contacts.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and meet deadlines.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to travel across WA and interstate.
• Flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of the WAARC collaboration.

Position description:  Strategic Research Manager (520371).docx

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Debra Mullan, WAARC Chief Operating Officer, at debra.mullan@uwa.edu.au. 

How to apply
Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Thursday, 12 June 2025

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

About the University
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at people@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.