Research Scientist

Career Opportunities:
Research Scientist (10412)

Nufarm is a global crop protection and seeds technologies company that helps farmers and businesses meet the global challenges of food, feed, fibre and food production. Whether it’s commercialising the world’s first plant‑based omega‑3, launching precision agricultural solutions, unlocking biomass oils for more sustainable fuels and fast‑moving consumer goods, launching innovative new crop protection solutions or delivering the crop and seed solutions farmers depend on every day, Nufarm is evolving with agriculture to drive value for customers.

We are looking for a Research Scientist to join our Horsham‑based R&D team on an initial 18‑month fixed‑term contract. This role will contribute to Nufarm’s Brassica innovation pipeline, including externally funded and internal research projects, as part of our broader seed technologies and trait development program.

This is a scientist role for someone who enjoys both designing research and delivering it hands‑on. You will lead and execute controlled‑environment research, growth chamber workflows and population development activities that support accelerated breeding, trait introgression and pre‑breeding in Brassica species.

The role will focus on rapid generation advancement, development and advancement of diverse breeding populations, and practical delivery of trait pipeline outcomes. You will help turn scientific ideas into reliable, repeatable systems that improve breeding speed, quality and decision‑making.

Lead and optimise controlled environment protocols for Brassica, including growth chamber and glasshouse workflows.

Implement and improve protocols to accelerate generation turnover and support breeding pipeline timelines.

Plan, execute and monitor growth chamber‑based research projects, including sowing schedules, plant growth cycles, sampling, crossing and seed harvest.

Contribute to the development of diverse breeding populations for trait discovery, pre‑breeding and future variety development.

Support trait introgression and marker‑assisted breeding pipelines through accurate sampling, seed handling, plant tracking and data recording.

Design and maintain practical, repeatable workflows that improve efficiency, traceability and quality in controlled‑environment research.

Work closely with the Trait Lead, Trait Introgression Scientist, Trait Development Scientist, breeders, technicians and broader R&D team to deliver key project milestones.

Maintain accurate records of populations, experimental activities, observations and seed movement using agreed R&D systems.

Contribute to a safe, collaborative and high‑quality research culture where scientific discipline, practical delivery and continuous improvement are valued.

You are a Master’s or PhD‑qualified plant scientist with a strong foundation in plant breeding, plant genetics, crop science, controlled‑environment research or a related discipline. You are scientifically curious, practical, organised and comfortable working at the interface between research design and hands‑on plant work.

You do not need to have done every part of this role before. What matters is that you can think scientifically, learn quickly, work carefully with plant material and data, and take ownership of a research workflow from planning through to delivery. Experience with Brassica species, growth chambers, glasshouse experiments, crossing, trait introgression or pre‑breeding would be highly regarded.

• A postgraduate qualification in plant science, plant breeding, genetics, crop science, or a related field.
• Strong interest in applied plant breeding, trait development and controlled‑environment research.
• Ability to plan experiments, manage timelines, record data accurately and follow protocols with attention to detail.
• Confidence working with plants in growth chamber or glasshouse environments, or willingness to rapidly build this capability.
• A practical, hands‑on mindset, including willingness to sow, transplant, sample, cross, harvest and handle seed when required.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with scientists, breeders, technicians and operational teams.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills, with the ability to maintain clear records and contribute to reporting.
• A continuous‑improvement mindset, with the curiosity to test new approaches and the discipline to make them repeatable.

If you want to be a part of a thriving, supportive environment and are inspired by the prospect of being a part of something bigger, we’d love to hear from you. Nufarm is proud to be recognised as an endorsed employer of choice for all women by Work
180.