Transformation Lead

Overview

Job no: 517210
Work type: Fixed term - Full-time
Campus: Adelaide
Categories: Level B, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

(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 also utilise tissue culture and molecular biology techniques used in plant synthetic biology experiments. The position will assist with implementation and streamlining organisational processes and will liaise with all PSBA AU staff to make sure the facilities run efficiently, and ensure 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 of PSBA enables plant synthetic biology services for agricultural crops, as well as for synthetic biology projects in 'model' plants. It provides infrastructure and expertise for research providers, government and industry institutions as fee-for-service as well as providing incubation space for the start-up community and opportunities to collaborate

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 and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process

Responsibilities

- Lead Plant Synthetic Biology Australia's plant transformation services as part of an expert team, including managing transformation projects and leading a team focused on transforming key crop species that align with PSBA's service offerings.
- Utilise tissue culture and molecular biology techniques used in plant synthetic biology experiments.
- Assist with implementing and streamlining organisational processes; liaise with PSBA AU staff to ensure facilities run efficiently and staff and students adopt a community of practice for facility operations.
- Collaborate with the Innovation Officer to develop new service offerings and improve methodologies.
- Work hands-on in the laboratory and in growth facilities on the Waite Campus from time to time.

Qualifications

- 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 relationships with diverse stakeholders through 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.
- Experience working in a service oriented environment.
- Experience in pipeline development and process optimisation in a plant transformation context.

Apply and additional information

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.

For further information, for a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact: [details not provided in original]

You will find a full position description below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 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.

Advertised

Advertised: 08 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Applications close: 22 Sep 2025 11:55 PM

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