(HEO8) $114,151 - $128,065 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fulltime, fixed term position, available until end of June 2028. 

If you are an experienced operational business manager who is passionate about plant science and agricultural research, join the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) as our next Business Manager in our Adelaide Node.

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SET) holds an outstanding reputation for teaching, research, and quality graduates. Comprised of eight schools, 21 centres and five institutes, the Faculty of SET is responsible for teaching over 8,500 students across our three campuses, North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy, and has an annual budget of $300 million.

The University is the Lead Agent of the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) which was established under the Commonwealth National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). The APPN provides state of the art imaging and data acquisition for plant phenotyping in controlled growth environments, at dedicated field sites and in remote areas to enable and accelerate research efforts for sustainable agriculture.

The Business Manager will work in close collaboration with the node’s Scientific Director and senior node staff. The Business Manager will ensure the efficient operation of The Plant Accelerator®, manage human and financial resources, monitor performance, nurture stakeholder relationships and drive initiatives to continuously improve the facility’s service delivery and outputs. Working closely with the APPN Chief Operating Officer, the Business Manager will ensure the facility meets its contractual obligations under NCRIS, prepares budgets and financial reports, progress and performance reports, and contributes to ad hoc requests from the Australian Government’s Department of Education, as well as funding opportunities and contributions to high level policy documents.

To be successful you will need:

• Substantial and demonstrated experience in business operations and financial and human resource management in a service environment.
• Demonstrated experience in effective leadership to improve performance, establish a harmonious working environment and maintain an outcome-based focus.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects, including strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Highly developed workload management skills with demonstrated experience in preparing high-quality and timely reports.
• High level oral and written communication skills to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Previous experience in an agricultural or plant research environment and/or related industry is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to promote the organisational values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery, and a commitment to positively comply with the associated behaviour expectations.

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you a vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities. 

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs 

Your division's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as outlined in the position description.

Applications close: 11:55pm, 22 December 2025.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position; contact:

Associate Professor Bettina Berger
Scientific Director – The Plant Accelerator, Australian Plant Phenomics Network
P: (08) 8313 0825   
E: bettina.berger@adelaide.edu.au

Mr David Field
Business Manager – The Plant Accelerator, Australian Plant Phenomics Network
P: (08) 831 34853
E: david.field@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

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