Associate Professor/ Professor of Plants and Horticultural Systems (Research Program Lead)

• Lead a flagship research program with national and global ambition
• Shape the future of sustainable agricultural research in regional Australia
• Build high-performing teams, partnerships and research investment

• Full Time, Continuing
• Level D - $167,348 to $184,243 pa (plus 17% superannuation)
• Level E - $215,225 pa (plus 17% superannuation)
• Academic Institution Leadership Allowance
• On Site: Wagga Wagga (No remote work will be considered)

As Professor / Associate Professor of Plants and Horticultural Systems (Research Program Lead), you will provide strategic leadership for Charles Sturt University's Plants and Horticultural Systems Program within the Gulbali Institute. Based at the Wagga Wagga campus, you will shape the program's research direction, bring together multidisciplinary expertise and build a high-performing research culture focused on solving complex agricultural challenges. Your work may span areas including agroecology, agronomy, precision agriculture, cropping systems, crop protection, climate resilience, soil and water management, viticulture and sustainable intensification.

You will grow a sustainable research program through competitive funding, industry and government partnerships, consultancy, philanthropy and international collaboration. Working closely with researchers, HDR candidates, industry and community partners, you will translate research into practical outcomes that improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Australian agriculture. You will also contribute to the strategic leadership of the Gulbali Institute, develop future research leaders and help strengthen Charles Sturt's national and international reputation for agricultural research and impact.

About you

• A distinguished researcher with an outstanding record in Plants and Horticultural Systems
• A strategic and inclusive leader who brings people and disciplines together
• Proven success securing significant external research funding and investment
• An accomplished partnership builder across industry, government and research

About us

We are a university of the land and people of our regions. True to the character of regional Australia we have gumption, we have soul and we collaborate with others. We develop holistic, far-sighted people who help their communities grow and flourish.

The Wiradjuri phrase yindyamarra winhanganha means the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in. This phrase represents who we are at Charles Sturt University – our ethos. It comes from traditional Indigenous Australian knowledge, but it also speaks to the mission of universities – to develop and spread wisdom to make the world a better place.

Harnessing technology, we thrive as a distributed yet connected community, welcoming and engaging with people across Australia and the world.

Learn more about the Gulbali Institute here.

Visit our website to learn about our great range of employee benefits.

Charles Sturt University is committed to building a diverse workforce as shown through our Athena Swan Bronze Award, our Australian Workplace Equality Index Bronze Award and our membership of a range of diversity focused organisations including Diversity Council Australia and Pride in Diversity. We encourage applications from First Nations people, carers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, neurodivergent people, and people of all age groups, genders and sexualities for all roles.

To apply

Click the Apply button and complete your application online, submit a “statement of suitability” demonstrating your skills, knowledge and/or experience relevant to the position (referencing the selection criteria in the applicant information brochure) and upload your CV. You will also be asked to submit a max 1 page response on "What is your philosophy for managing and growing productive research teams?". If you experience difficulties applying online or for further information on completing the application process please visit our how to apply page or contact us.

This position is open to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents; or applicants who hold a current valid work visa commensurate with this position.

Additional information is available in the applicant brochures:

Applicant Brochure - Level D - Associate Professor of Plants and Horticultural Systems

Applicant Brochure - Level E - Professor of Plants and Horticultural Systems

Or by contacting: Lee Baumgartner | Executive Director, Gulbali Institute | lbaumgartner@csu.edu.au

Closing Date: 11pm, 6 October 2026