Innovation Officer

(Level B) $114,917 - $135,932 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, full time position for 34 Months available immediately

This position will lead Plant Synthetic Biology Australia's (PSBA) innovation activities and have detailed working knowledge of plant transformation services. The role will be responsible for developing and introducing new transformation services and will collaborate closely with a team focused on transforming key crop species that align with PSBA's service offerings. This role will operate with a degree of autonomy and will require a hands-on approach in the laboratory and in growth facilities on the Waite Campus. The role will also utilise tissue culture and molecular biology techniques used in plant synthetic biology experiments.

The position will assist with implementation and streamlining organisational processes and will liaise with all PSBA AU staff to make sure the facilities run efficiently, and ensure staff and students adopt a community of practise for facility operations. There is an expectation that the role will support PSBA staff through engagement in experimental work beyond plant transformation activities from time to time and through developing and contributing to strategic projects within the organisation.

Plant Synthetic Biology Australia (PSBA) consists of a network of national facilities with nodes at Adelaide University, Australian National University, La Trobe University and University of Western Australia. PSBA provides plant synthetic biology infrastructure and expertise to drive accelerated gains in agricultural productivity, and development of new products through environmentally sustainable bio-manufacturing.

The Adelaide node of PSBA enables plant synthetic biology services for agricultural crops, as well as for synthetic biology projects in 'model' plants. It provides infrastructure and expertise for research providers, government and industry institutions as fee-for-service as well as providing incubation space for the start-up community and opportunities to collaborate

To be successful you will need:

• Demonstrated ability to promote the organisational values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery, and a commitment to positively comply with the associated behaviour expectations.
• Ability to build effective and constructive relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders through the provision of innovative technical services.
• Demonstrated experience in leading the development of new techniques and procedures in bioinformatics, gene editing and plant transformation into a commercial, research or service laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience in leading multi-stakeholder projects, including strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Highly developed workload management skills with demonstrated experience in preparing high-quality and timely reports.
• High level oral and written communication skills to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Substantial and demonstrated experience in plant tissue culture and transformation procedures.
• Postgraduate qualifications and relevant experience; or extensive experience and innovation expertise in a commercial setting; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

Desirable

• Recent experience in developing or deploying cutting-edge synthetic biology tools (e.g. engineered CRISPR/Cas, novel transformation or regeneration technologies, high-throughput screening).
• Experience in working with plant species recalcitrant to transformation.

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at:

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance.

Learn more at: 

How to Apply

Please click here to view the position description and apply. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, 15 September 2025

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Andrew Jacobs

Business Manager | PSBA-AU

E:

You'll find a full position description below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified

The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.