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

This position assists Principal Investigator (Prof. Rajeev Varshney) in executing the project “Genetics for next generation orchards” funded by HortInnovation. The incumbent will provide high-quality research support for projects in the laboratory, population genetics, and molecular genetics/genomics, with a particular focus on our current work on next generation sequencing, field experiments, and writing publications.

Your key responsibilities will include
- Undertake experiments within the research program, including molecular experiments in the lab; analysis of samples using genotypic methods and Next gen sequencing.
- Genetic/genomic analyses of throughput genotyping/sequencing and phenotypic data for trait discovery and molecular breeding.
- Trait mapping including QTL mapping and GWAS analysis and Functional genomics studies.
- Development/advancement of plant phenotyping trial design, and collection and curation of phenotyping data.
- Development and utilisation of genomic prediction models on genotyping and phenotyping data.
- Processing, analysing and archiving large scale genomic/sequencing datasets, assessing data quality and conducing analyses.
- Interpretation of findings, and their communication to others including preparation of reports, presentations, posters and publications.
- Ensure the laboratory remains fully compliant with all University and other regulations and policies for safe and ethical conduct.
- Maintaining accurate records of experimental procedures and results.

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 July 2025 to 1 July 2026 totalling a 6% 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:

- PhD/MSc with 2-3 years’ experience in Biology/Biotechnology/Genetics/Plant Breeding. Experience in plant genetics/physiology and breeding is preferred.
- Experience in mapping, QTL mapping, GWAS analysis and functional genomics studies.
- Familiar with standard genomic analysis tools and emerging software p