Post-doctoral Research Associate

Fixed Term (2 years), Full Time
- Classification ACLEB | $106,000 - $126,000 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions
- Salary Packaging opportunities
- Ref: JR102959

About Us

Working at the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC) and the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation (CCFI) within the Food Futures Institute (FFI); you will be placed in one of Murdoch University’s leading research institutes and working to provide solutions on the sustainable use of limited land and water resources to improve food, forestry, and fibre production economically and ethically.

The SABC is the collaborative university centre for R&D in agricultural and veterinary biotechnology in Western Australia and provides platform technologies and world class equipment and facilities for R&D in agricultural biotechnology to researchers from universities, state government and industry.

The CCFI is a collaboration of academic and research staff working with industry partners to provide both strength and depth in research on major broadacre and horticultural crops to improve yield, quality and enhance tolerance and protection from biological and environmental stresses.

The Role

The Post-doctoral Research Associate will design and implement a range of experiments for the functional analysis of gene sequences in the crop species wheat. You will use the very latest genome editing techniques and molecular screens to improve wheat’s reproductive characteristics to support hybrid breeding. The position represents a continuation of an on-going research program and will exploit existing datasets to identify targets, involves growing plants in both controlled and field conditions, transgenesis, genotyping/sequencing, histochemical analyses, high-resolution microscopy and undertaking comprehensive data analyses to identify and functionally validate genes affecting wheat reproduction.

Day to day activities include:

- Design and conduct experiments in functional genomics and molecular biology, generating and analysing genotypic sequence data while keeping detailed records.
- Perform comprehensive data analyses for transgenic characterization from genome editing.
- Conduct plant phenotyping in PC2 growth chambers, glasshouses, and field conditions.
- Contribute to research, publications, industry reports, presentations, and potential patent filings, both individually and as part of a team.
- Supervise Masters and HDR students and provide guidance to technical staff.

What you’ll bring to this role
- PhD in Agricultural Biotechnology/Genetics/Plant Breeding, or any other relevant discipline.
- Expertise in guide design, testing, transformation, regeneration, and selection including collection of both genotypic, and phenotypic data.
- Experience in bioinformatic data analysis and data interpretation.
- Ability to work according to PC1, PC2 or Quarantine requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to engage in high quality independent research, with an established record of scholarly publications.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applicants must have valid work rights.

What you’ll get in return

You will be part of a vibrant and talented team, work in an innovative and lively university community and enjoy the benefits that come with working at Murdoch.

Our people enjoy a lively, natural campus and world-class facilities, as well as a range of benefits including:

- Competitive remuneration
- Paid leave entitlements
- Flexible work arrangements
- Salary packaging options
- Employee Assistance Program
- On Campus Services and Facilities, including a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital and Chiropractic Clinic

To Apply
- A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the
- Position Description
)
- Your most recent resume (CV)

Position contact: Assoc. Prof Ryan Whitford

Closing date: 27/10/2024 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.