Associate Research Fellow

**Job no**: 577178
**Work type**: Full-time
**Location**: Geelong - Waurn Ponds
**Categories**: Research, Science

As an Associate Research Fellow, you’ll work within a dynamic research program focused on plant molecular biology, genetics, and diagnostics. With mentorship from leading researchers, you’ll develop state-of-the-art molecular diagnostic assays to advance plant disease detection, strengthen biosecurity, and support sustainable agriculture. This role is ideal for an emerging researcher eager to collaborate, innovate, and translate discoveries into applied solutions.
- Based at our Geelong, Waurn Ponds Campus
- Full-time and fixed-term for 12-months (additional 24 months funding permitting)
- Level A $83,268 - $111,939 + 17% Superannuation

**Why work with us?**

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

**Who are we?**

Deakin University stands as a beacon of pioneering research and innovation, deeply rooted in the heart of Australia. Our dedication to groundbreaking research initiatives is at the core of our identity, setting us apart as a hub for knowledge seekers and forward-thinking researchers. With a diverse, global community of scholars and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, Deakin University offers an unparalleled platform for those who are passionate about exploring the frontiers of research. Join us on this exhilarating research journey and let Deakin's spirit of inquiry and innovation become the driving force behind your own quest for discovery.

**As an Associate Research Fellow, you will**:

- Conduct high-quality research and deliver impactful outcomes with mentor support.
- Collaborate on innovative research and share outcomes as part of a team.
- Support student supervision and develop your own early career research plan.
- Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

**To be successful, you’ll have**:

- PhD in a relevant discipline and/or other relevant qualifications and experience
- Emerging research and scholarship through publications, and/or exhibitions as appropriate to the discipline
- Ability to contribute to communities through research
- Capacity to contribute to teaching, research and administration
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues
- Ability to contribute to community engagement for research
- Broad expertise in plant molecular biology, including nucleic acid manipulation, gene expression analysis and assay development
- Experience in protein biochemistry, with a focus on protein purification, detection and functional assays
- Familiarity with genome editing technologies (e.g. CRISPR/Cas), diagnostic platforms and molecular techniques for plant health monitoring

**Here's how to apply**:
Please submit your updated resume, a short cover letter and responses to the Key Selection Criteria.

**Applications for this position close on Sunday 5 October at 11.55pm.**

**Are You Ready?**

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

**Advertised**: 22 Sep 2025 AUS Eastern Standard Time