• 35 hours per week
• Temporary for a period of 3 years from commencement with the possibility of extension and/or conversion to ongoing employment
• Location: Based at a designated DPIRD office on the North Coast of NSW with a preference for Taylors Beach
• Clerk Grade 11/12 | Salary from  $149,739.00 plus super and leave loading

About the role

The Research Leader (Aquaculture Research) provides leadership in aquaculture research; coordinates and manages high quality research; provides expert guidance and scientific advice on aquaculture issues and related issues to the Director Fisheries Research, other Fisheries Directors and the Executive; supports the delivery of world’s best practice research and scientific advice about the sustainable management and economic growth of aquaculture.

We are looking for an individual who can:

• Lead operations across people, budget, priorities and policy to deliver aligned outcomes.
• Establish and maintain high-quality, best-practice research environments, supporting publication and conference outputs.
• Manage and develop staff through performance management, training, and risk-based work planning.
• Contribute to unit performance through leadership team participation and deliverables reporting.
• Mentor and support research and technical staff to achieve RD&E targets.
• Provide timely, expert advice to inform evidence-based aquaculture management, policy and regulation in NSW.
• Build strategic stakeholder relationships to inform policy, share insights, and drive research investment.

About You

To be successful in this role, our ideal candidate will be highly motivated professional with an ability to manage staff and senior stakeholder and client relationships. You will be a strong and confident communicator and can manage competing priorities and interests while maintaining a professional demeanour and ‘can do’ attitude.

You will have:

• Experience in leading, mentoring and managing senior science professionals including technical staff and in leading aquaculture research teams
• Extensive knowledge and experience in collaborative research projects
• Well-developed financial management and sound knowledge and/or experience of industry funding operations and government department operations to deal effectively and efficiently with these bodies.
• Current NSW Driver Licence and the ability and willingness to travel
• PhD level qualification in a relevant field or equivalent relevant skills and experience

Applying for the role

Apply online by submitting a current resume (max 5 pages) and brief cover letter (max 2 page) that outlines your skills and experience relevant to the role.

A downloadable copy of the role description is linked below for your reference.

Role Description - Research Leader Aquaculture Research

Additionally, if you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Katherine Cheshire, Acting Director Fisheries Research via email katherine.cheshire@dpird.nsw.gov.au or phone 0400 713 628.  

Closing Date: 11:55pm 3 May 2026

What to expect next

• You’ll receive a confirmation email  
• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes  
• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview on Microsoft Teams or in person
• Further assessments will follow (e.g. written task, skills test, psychometric test)  
• Reference checks will be completed for final candidates   
• The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, pre-employment medical assessment and/or other assessments as required.  
• A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.  

About Us

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions. 

The department brings together Agriculture & Biosecurity; Forestry & Fishing; Local Land Services; NSW Resources; Regional Development & Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service. 

We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW. 

Why work for Us?

We work hard every day to support and grow thriving communities across regional NSW that will have a positive impact on generations to come. Our goal is always to be a trusted local partner and problem-solver working deeply in community. 

As part of our team, you will be able to: 

• Deliver with impact. You are empowered and trusted to create impact through exposure to cutting edge projects and research, career defining opportunities, and get to be part of a team creating sustainable solutions that will leave a legacy. 
  
  
• Connect to what matters. We are all about forming deep community relationships, fostering our passionate and connected teams. It is central to our work to support a true sense of belonging across the team. 
  
  
• Live your way. From bringing your whole self to work, through to designing flexibility, that fits you and the team, at Regional NSW you will be able to find the balance that works for you. 

We are a young agency, but with that has come a personality that is dedicated, passionate, proactive, influential, and informed. We’re all about ‘having a crack’.

Additional Information
Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.