Soil and agriculture microbiologist -bio fertiliser r&d

Position Description - Soil & Agricultural Microbiologist

- Company: Plant Needs Pty Ltd
- Position: Soil & Agricultural Microbiologist - Biofertiliser Research & Development
- Employment: Full-time, permanent
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- Salary: $80000- 85000 + superannuation
- Reports to: Director / Head of Agronomy & Product Development

Position Purpose
The Soil & Agricultural Microbiologist will lead and support R&D activities relating to soil fertility, beneficial microorganisms, microbial biofertilisers, soil amendments, and plant nutrition products. This role is responsible for developing, testing, and improving biological and microbial products designed to enhance soil health, nutrient availability, plant growth, and agricultural productivity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Soil Microbiology & Fertility: Conduct microbiological investigations of agricultural soils and growing media; study beneficial soil microorganisms and their interactions with plants and nutrients; interpret microbiological and chemical test results to improve soil health.
2. Biofertiliser Development: Research and develop microbial biofertilisers and soil amendments; identify plant-growth-promoting microorganisms; evaluate microbial viability, stability, and shelf life through laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials.
3.

Product Development: Develop new biological fertiliser and soil-health products for horticulture, agriculture, turf, and nursery applications; collaborate with the agronomy team to formulate products, determine specifications, and support commercial scale-up.
4. Laboratory Work: Establish and maintain microbiological cultures; perform microbial enumeration and screening; maintain accurate records, develop laboratory SOPs, and ensure quality-control procedures are followed.
5. Research and Trials: Design and conduct controlled experiments to measure plant growth, nutrient uptake, and product performance; analyze experimental data and prepare technical reports.
6.

Technical and Regulatory Support: Prepare technical documentation and assist with regulatory requirements for fertilisers and biological products; stay updated on advancements in soil microbiology and sustainable agriculture.
7. Collaboration: Work closely with agronomists, soil scientists, and product-development personnel; provide technical advice to customers and internal teams; assist with staff training.

Essential Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree or higher in Microbiology, Agricultural/Soil Microbiology, Biotechnology, Agricultural Science, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated knowledge of microbiology, microbial laboratory techniques, and plant-microbe interactions.
- Experience in laboratory research, experimental design, and data analysis.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Experience

- Experience with biofertilisers, microbial inoculants, fermentation, or formulation.
- Experience with beneficial soil bacteria/fungi and soil health research.
- Experience conducting agricultural field or greenhouse trials.
- Knowledge of fertiliser products and experience in a commercial R&D environment.
- Experience in genetic transformation techniques for developing and improving microbial strains for next-generation biofertilizer products.
- Experience in upstream bioprocessing, including microbial fermentation, inoculum preparation, handling industrial shakers, and operating fermenters for biofertilizer production.

Key Performance Indicators

1. Experience in genetic transformation techniques for developing and improving microbial strains for next-generation biofertilizer products.
2.

Experience in upstream bioprocessing, including microbial fermentation, inoculum preparation, handling industrial shakers, and operation of fermenters for biofertilizer production.
- Develop and evaluate new microbial fertiliser products.
- Establish robust laboratory and field testing programs.
- Improve the performance and stability of existing biological products.
- Produce accurate technical and research reports.
- Support expansion into biological and sustainable agricultural inputs.