DEEPA JHA - Plant research
Salary range
AUD $51,810 - $60,705 (HEO 5/6)
My advice for students
"To get a suitable occupation along the lines of plant science research in Australia is a great honour, and of course it demands hard work, determination and the desire for high achievement.
"Scientific research laboratories across Australia are very well equipped and have enormous potential for advanced technological learning. Getting work experience, attending workshops and training courses could help students reach their destination.
"Stay positive and enthusiastic, keep up your determination and you will find your destination in Australia with pride."
What I studied
Bachelor of Science, Botany (University of Delhi, India)
Master of Science, Botany with specialisation in Microbiology and Biochemistry (University of Delhi, India)
Doctorate in Microbiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (New Delhi, India)
Career path
Senior Lecturer: Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus
Casual and part time research: CSIRO Land and Water, Adelaide Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Food & Wine, University Of Adelaide
Technical officer: South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Cell Culture and Doubled Haploid Group, Field Crops Pathology
Research officer: Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG)
"My career path has involved working in scientific research organisations of repute and excellence in two great nations: India, where I had all of my academic training and started my professional career as Lecturer in Microbiology, and Australia, where I have been able to further strengthen my scientific skills in numerous areas of plant and soil science, molecular biology and biotechnology.
"I was fortunate to continue working in my own area of professional expertise, following my migration to Australia in 2000. One of my career highlights has been the opportunity to work in the Plant Stress Physiology laboratory of The Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, Adelaide, which is also my current work place. The largest cereal crop genomics team in the southern hemisphere, ACPFG has been a great place to work and learn and I feel privileged to work in a multicultural laboratory under the excellent leadership of our team leader Prof Mark Tester."