Post-doctoral Research Associate

About The Team

Murdoch University’s Food Futures Institute is dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for the efficient use of limited land and water resources, with a focus on improving food, forestry, and fibre production in an ethical and economically viable way. This role is based within two key components of the Institute: The Centre for Crop and Food Innovation and the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre.

The Centre for Crop and Food Innovation is a collaborative hub of academic researchers and industry partners, working to enhance yield, quality, and resilience of major broadacre and horticultural crops. It hosts a dynamic team including over 50 Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students and is well-positioned to leverage emerging technologies and investment in crop agriculture. The State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Western Australia’s premier R&D facility for agricultural and veterinary biotechnology, offers cutting-edge equipment and shared spaces to researchers from universities, government, and industry.

The State Agricultural Biotechnology is well resourced with research and teaching facilities and hosts a number of research groups and centres across the disciplines of:

- Agricultural Sciences,
- Environmental Conservation Sciences,
- Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, and
- Murdoch University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Your New Role

The purpose of this role is to design and implement a range of experiments including conducting multi-location field trials of mapping populations in different Australian production environments, genotyping / sequencing and undertake comprehensive data analyses to identify and validate QTLs for nitrogen use efficiency in what. The research to be undertaken by this position falls under the project “increasing wheat nitrogen use efficiency through improved genetics” funded by GRDC.

Your key responsibilities will include
- Engaging in conducting/assisting multi-location field trials in different Australian production environments to enable phenotypic validation of the select QTLs.
- Design and conduct research experiments in genomics and molecular biology leading to generation of sequencing and analysis of genotyping data; and maintain an accurate record of experimental procedures and results.
- Undertake comprehensive data analyses related to molecular genetics and prebreeding.
- Prepare results for international scientific journals and industry reports.
- Provide guidance and contribute to the supervision of postgraduate HDR students.

Please refer to the

Position Description

for further details.

What We Offer You

This Fixed Term (24 Months) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) position attracts a remuneration of $76,000 - $103,000 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Bronze
- tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

- Periodic salary increases between 1 January 2025 to 1 July 2026 totalling an 8% increase
- Flexible work arrangements
- Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
- Indigenous Language Allowance
- Salary packaging options - such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
- Employee Assistance Program
- On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our

benefits and services page



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

Selection Criteria:

- Demonstrated expertise in collecting phenotyping data.
- Experience in data analysis and data interpretation.
- Ability to work independently under broad direction, and effectively as a team member.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently under broad direction, and effectively as a team member.
- Ability to engage in high-quality independent research.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills.
- High levels of written and oral communication skills in English.

Applicants should refer to the

Position Description

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Prof. Rajeev Varshney, Director of the State Agricultural Biotechnology C