Research Associate

**Job no**: 528245
**Work type**: full time
**Location**: Sydney, NSW
**Categories**: Post Doctoral Research Associate
- **One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities**:

- **Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion**:

- **Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best**

**At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.**

**THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.**

The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) has over 148 academic staff and research staff, over 170 research students and 60 Honours students. BEES incorporates environmentally relevant disciplines enabling the School to undertake comprehensive education and research in the mainstream disciplines of biology, geography and geology. This also provides students the opportunity for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies.

The Research Associate (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to the molecular biology of marine symbioses. This project will focus on developing molecular biology tools to better understand interactions between marine bacteria and their macroalgal hosts. The project is part of an international collaboration to improve our understanding of marine symbioses through the development of tractable and ecologically relevant model systems.

**About the role**
- **Level A -** **$110k - $117k - **plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
- Fixed Term - 2 years
- Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role of Research Associate reports to Suhelen Egan and has no direct reports.

**Specific responsibilities for this role include**:

- Contribute independently and as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes towards an improved understanding of microbial symbioses in the marine environment.
- Conduct laboratory research in marine microbiology and molecular biology with a focus on developing genetic tools for non-model systems.
- Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
- Work with the research team to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers and support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
- Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. literature reviews, conduct laboratory experiments, problem solve, data gathering and recording of results using appropriate research methods.
- Participate in and/or present at conferences, group meetings with international collaborators, and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
- Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
- Conduct laboratory experiments related to the development and use of molecular biology tools to study gene function in symbiotic marine microorganisms. Specific methods may include (but not limited to) PCR, plasmid construction, gene cloning, transformation and nucleic acid sequencing.
- Supervise the day-to-day laboratory activities of research students.
- Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
- Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

**About the successful applicant**:
**(Selection Criteria)**
- A PhD in molecular microbiology or a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
- Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with molecular biology and microbiology knowledge and technological developments.
- Experience in a range of molecular and microbiology laboratory skills, including PCR, transformation methods, gene expression, cloning and the generation of gene knock out mutants.
- Experience with working with marine and/or non-model microbial systems is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
- Demonstrated track record of quality research outputs (e.g. publications and/or conference presentations) relative to opportunity.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
- Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

**Contact**:
Suhelen Egan

**Applications close**: November 13th, 2024
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