Download About the role

General information
Title: Research Scientist (Pig Physiology)
Classification: PO3
Division: South Australian Research & Development Institute
Type of appointment:
Branch: Livestock and Farming Systems
Ongoing
Business Unit: Pigs and Poultry
Term contract
Location: Roseworthy
Casual
Hours of duty: 37.50 hours per week
ANZSCO code: 0000
HRMS No:M26589
File reference:
Objective ID:
Our organisation
Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) assists our primary industries and regions to grow, innovate and
maximise their economic growth potential.
We lead the delivery of the Government’s Premium Food and Wine Produced in our Clean Environment and
Exported to the World economic priority.
We lead and coordinate the state’s regional development agenda to improve economic and social outcomes
for regional South Australia through the Government’s Charter for Stronger Regional Policy.
We involve and engage with all levels of government, industry, academia and the broader community. This
ensures we make good decisions, have clear and relevant policies, plan and implement effective programs and
broker shared responsibility.
PIRSA comprises of approximately 900 people working in locations across metropolitan and regional South
Australia.
Our connection to the South Australian Strategic Plan and Economic Priorities
Our primary industries and regions are crucial for the prosperity of state, and are continuing to grow in
importance. The rapidly increasing global demand for high quality food and wine, combined with South
Australia’s strong reputation for food safety, biosecurity and product integrity creates significant opportunities
for the state.
Agribusiness in South Australia, which includes food, wine, fisheries, fibre and forestry, is a vital part of the
state’s economy, generating approximately $19.7 billion in revenue annually, and accounting for 48% (or
$5.4billion) of South Australia’s total merchandise exports. Our food and wine sectors employ one in five South
Australians.
Our regions also make a substantial contribution to the state’s economy, not only through agribusiness but
also through mining and minerals processing, manufacturing, tourism and energy production. Our regions
contribute about $25 billion to the state’s economy and produce about half of our merchandise exports, and
they do so with just 29% of our population. Strong regions are the foundation of a strong state, and key to
providing a prosperous future for all South Australians.
Our focus on growing agribusiness and regions includes a range of diverse areas associated with policy
development, biosecurity and emergency management, fisheries and aquaculture management, research and
development and integrated solutions in agribusiness development.
Within the framework of South Australia’s Strategic Plan (SASP), the agency maintains a key focus to grow the
contribution made by South Australian food industry to $20 billion by 2020.PIRSA also leads the State
Government’s economic priority of Premium Food and Wine Produced in our Clean Environment and Exported
to the World and contributes to the delivery of the other nine priorities.
Our values
The South Australian public sector values are central to the way we work. Service, professionalism, trust,
respect, collaboration and engagement, honesty and integrity, courage and tenacity and sustainability are the
cornerstones for how we interact with industry, community, other government agencies and each other.
PIRSA is embedding the Premier’s vision of a modern and capable public sector that works together with
citizens, business and community to deliver results for South Australia.
Our expectations
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You accept responsibility for your own and others safety and will adopt appropriate hazard management
practices consistent with the role, including contributing towards the completion of the Site Safety
Management Plans.
You uphold the ethical behaviour and professional integrity standards as contained in the Public Sector
Act, 2009.
You familiarise yourself with the Code of Ethics for the South Australian Public Sector and ensure that you
follow it.
You participate in PIRSA’s Performance Management and Development Program.
You may be assigned alternative duties consistent with PIRSA’s business needs and/or the developmental
needs arising from your performance review conversations.
You contribute to whole-of-agency working groups developing PIRSA policy responses to significant and
emerging issues as required.
You undertake training and participation in emergency management activities as required.
You implement and maintain security in line with whole-of-government and agency policies.
You adhere to the PIRSA Smoke Free Policy.
About the role
The Research Scientist (Pig Physiology) is part of Livestock and Farming Systems – Pigs and Poultry within
the South Australian Research and Development Institute.
SARDI – Livestock and Farming Systems assist the animal and mixed farming industries in achieving ethical,
economic and sustainable levels of production of high quality, competitively priced produce, by conducting
research and encouraging technological improvement. The development and marketing of these industries and
products and the provision of science policy advice to Government are two key objectives for the division.
Livestock and Farming Systems science program areas address issues of national and state-specific
relevance, with activities in Farming Systems, Food Safety and Innovation, Livestock Innovation and Welfare
and Pigs and Poultry. Over 60 staff contribute to these activities, located at various research centres
throughout South Australia including at Roseworthy Campus (divisional headquarters), Waite Campus,
Turretfield, Struan, Pt Lincoln and Minnipa.
SARDI – Livestock and Farming Systems maintain state of the art laboratory and production-focussed animal
research facilities in conjunction with broad-acre research centres, and promotes extensive The Pig and
Poultry Science Program seeks to:
 Lead and conduct innovative and practical research that enhances the economic growth of the Australian
pig and poultry industries;
 Conduct research to develop the means to establish high levels of animal welfare in the pork and poultry
industries,
 Identify opportunities for new products, processes and services and, where applicable, facilitate their
development to commercial application;
 Identify, develop and maintain partnerships collaborations and alliances that optimise the use of research
and development resources for the enhancement of the pork and poultry industries;
 Provide high quality research and development services within Australia to underpin the international
competitiveness of the pork and poultry industries;
 Develop new technologies for, and improve the efficiency and economic status of, the Australian pig and
poultry industries;
 Rapidly respond to the ever-changing needs of the Australian pork and poultry industries to ensure their
viability well into the 21st century.
The Research Scientist (Pig Physiology) will join a team of research scientists aiming to improve the economic
growth of the Australian pig industry.
The Research Scientist (Pig Physiology) is responsible for conducting research in collaboration with team
members in pig physiology and behaviour through:
 underlying skills and requirements including knowledge of physiology and behaviour of farm animals;
 high level report and project writing skills;
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willingness to collaborate with other scientists, producers and clients, and the ability to clearly
communicate concepts to other scientists who are not experts in the field
The Research Scientist (Pig Physiology) will contribute approximately 20% of their time to post-graduate
supervision, lecturing, field days, conferences, training sessions and workshops in Australia.
Other requirements specific to the role includes:
 Frequent out of hours and some weekend work is required.
 Occasional interstate travel, including overnight absence, is required.
 A current driver’s license is required.
 Out of hours work may be required.
 Required to work with live animals in pig sheds that may induce an allergic reaction in some people.
Essential qualifications
The applicant must have PhD Degree in Agricultural Science or equivalent.
Key results
The Pig Research Programs are managed to achieve key results within budget.
 Principles of managing a project budget are understood. A contribution is made to project budget
monitoring.
 A portfolio of contestable projects and scientific collaborations is developed.
 A degree of scientific leadership is provided to achieve the outcomes of programs which are nationally /
internationally based.
 Significant new research opportunities and optimum funding requirements are identified.
 The Australian pork industry and funding bodies are aware of the success of the Pig Research Team by
communication of developments and results relating to research programs.
 Reports to fulfil milestone requirements of the program are prepared in a timely manner.
 Research results are readily available to the pork industry through established information and delivery
networks through interaction with the Australian Pork CRC and Australian Pork Limited and other core and
participating partners.
 Scientific presentations and papers are delivered.
 Contribution is made as the first author and co-author of scientific papers and presentation of research
conclusions.
Key relationships
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Reports to the Science Leader, Pigs and Poultry
Manages/mentors/supervises/coaches post-graduate students and other staff
Develops and maintains solid relationships with Australian Pork CRC and Australian Pork Limited and
other core and participating partners.
Capabilities profile
Capability (maximum of 8)
Professional & Technical Knowledge
Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of
physiological aspects of pig science
and technical experience in handling of
live animals and in recording and
analysing data.
Has complementary knowledge and
skills in one or more of the areas:
animal welfare, endocrinology,
neurobiology and behavioural
physiology, veterinary science,
molecular science, nutrition,
microbiology or immunology.
Behaviours (maximum of 3; Professional & Technical Knowledge unlimited)
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Maintains an up to date knowledge of developments in pig
science especially aspects of physiology.
Attracts external research funding for research projects and has
experience in successfully executing research programs.
Publishes reports and peer reviewed papers in major scientific
journals.
High level of technical expertise in relevant animal based or
laboratory based procedures.
Is familiar with the pork industry in SA.
Demonstrated ability to use multivariate statistical analysis
software.
Skilled in use of technologies relevant to pig production
systems.
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Has knowledge and understanding of animal ethics procedures
and safeguards.
Achievement Orientation
Researches information from formal and informal sources
Attention to Detail
Works with colleagues to check timeliness, accuracy and reliability of work group outputs; understands the
implications of work that does not meet performance standards.
Planning and Organising (Work Management)
Sets own work priorities, uses tools (e.g., calendar) and time efficiently to meet work objectives.
Communication
Communicates easily in interactions with others, and conveys information clearly in written communications and
documents.
People Management
Supports and encourages individuals in achieving work outcomes; provides feedback and encourages
capability development
Initiative
Acts autonomously within scope of duties; anticipates problems and takes action.
Team Work/Team Building
Works cooperatively with others formally and informally in teams.
Investigative Skills
Undertakes investigative studies; researches information on familiar and unfamiliar issues using a wide range of
sources.
Approvals
Manager
Chief Executive/Delegate
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Occupant
I have read and understood the key results and
expectations of this role.
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