Research Program Lead – Associate/Professor of Plants & Horticultural Systems

About the role

As the Research Program Lead for the Plants and Horticultural Systems Program at the Gulbali Institute, you will provide strategic leadership, shape the research agenda and build a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team focused on solving complex agricultural challenges in regional Australia.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a flagship research program with national and global ambition.
• Shape the future of sustainable agricultural research across agroecology, precision agriculture, crop protection, climate resilience and related fields.
• Build and nurture high‑performing research teams, partnerships and investment streams.
• Secure competitive funding and develop industry, government, philanthropic and international collaborations.
• Translate research outcomes into practical solutions that improve productivity, profitability and sustainability of Australian agriculture.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership of the Gulbali Institute and develop future research leaders.
• Strengthen Charles Sturt University’s national and international reputation for agricultural impact.

Required profile

• A distinguished researcher with an outstanding record in plants and horticultural systems.
• Strategic and inclusive leader who brings people and disciplines together.
• Proven success securing significant external research funding and investment.
• Accomplished partnership builder across industry, government and research sectors.