Transformation Lead

Overview

(Level B) $114,917 - $135,932 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies. Fixed term, full time position for 33 Months available immediately

This position will lead Plant Synthetic Biology Australia's (PSBA) plant transformation services as part of an expert team. The role will be responsible for managing transformation projects and leading the team focused on transforming key crop species that align with PSBA's service offerings.

The role will utilise tissue culture and molecular biology techniques used in plant synthetic biology experiments. It will assist with implementing and streamlining organisational processes and will liaise with all PSBA AU staff to ensure facilities run efficiently and staff and students adopt a community of practise for facility operations. The role will collaborate closely with the Innovation Officer to develop new service offerings and improve methodologies, and will require a hands-on approach in the laboratory and in growth facilities on the Waite Campus from time to time.

Plant Synthetic Biology Australia (PSBA) consists of a network of national facilities with nodes at Adelaide University, Australian National University, La Trobe University and University of Western Australia. PSBA provides plant synthetic biology infrastructure and expertise to drive accelerated gains in agricultural productivity and development of new products through environmentally sustainable bio-manufacturing. The Adelaide node enables plant synthetic biology services for agricultural crops and for synthetic biology projects in model plants, providing infrastructure and expertise for research providers, government and industry institutions as fee-for-service, as well as incubation space for the start-up community and opportunities to collaborate.

To be successful you will need:

• Postgraduate qualifications or progress towards postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or PhD in plant science, genetics, physiology or biotechnology, or a substantially relevant discipline
• Extensive experience in conducting independent scientific research, supervising research students or personnel and high-quality publications involving plant transformation
• Evidence of successful execution of plant transformation projects and meeting project deadlines
• Ability to build effective and constructive relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders through the provision of technical services
• 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

Desirable

• Experience working in a service oriented environment
• Experience in pipeline development and process optimisation in a plant transformation context

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. Learn more about Adelaide University and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University 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 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 faculty\'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. TheFaculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance.

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

How to Apply

Click on the 'Apply Now' button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a resume, as well as a cover letter addressing your suitability and experience for the position, referring to the selection criteria, in no more than 2 pages.

Applications close 11:55pm, 22 September 2025

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Andrew Jacobs
Business Manager | PSBA-AU
E: andrew.jacobs@adelaide.edu.au

Full position description available below if opening links is not possible.

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

The University is 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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