Synthetic Biologist, Australian Genome Foundry

PRIMARY DETAIL

An exciting opportunity to work for an innovative team that supports and enables cutting-edge synthetic biology research and commercialisation.
- Build networks and collaborate with industry leaders
- From $99,739 to $108,139 per annum (Level 7), plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
- Full-time, 2 years fixed term. Based at Macquarie University (North Ryde)

THE ROLE
- The Faculty of Science and Engineering

is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Synthetic Biologist to join our newly established

Australian Genome Foundry

In this newly created role, you will provide technical leadership and molecular and microbiology expertise across academic and industry projects and contribute to the success of the Australian Genome Foundry (AGF) through communication, collaboration and integration between data scientists, molecular biologists, academics, industry staff, and other team members.

Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, you will:
- Provide advice and advanced molecular biology, microbiology, and flow-cytometry expertise across our biofoundry facility- Design biological systems such as plasmids, gene knockouts, gene circuits, and metabolic pathways- Undertake method development for high throughput DNA assembly, genomic modification, microbial transformation, multi-well plate culturing, liquid handling robot protocols, metabolite/protein extraction, and flow cytometry- Act as technical lead role for assigned projects, ensuring technical scope is clearly articulated and understood, develop best fit solutions and work with team members and key stakeholders to deliver in scope components on time and to budget- Liaise with facility users to integrate molecular and microbiology effectively into the synthetic biology DBTL cycle- Produce documentation for project proposals, reviews, systems analysis and tests, and for operations and maintenance manuals- Present at project reviews, project meetings, conferences, etc.- Mentor and support team members and contribute to research activities

About You

You are an experienced scientist with technical leadership and molecular and microbiology expertise in delivering synthetic biology and metabolic engineering solutions. You will have extensive experience working with flow cytometry and Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) within complex multi-stakeholder environments and thrive working in a collaborative and supportive team.

You will have excellent communication and collaboration skills, coupled with strong conceptual and analytical skills. You will be solutions focussed, agile with the ability to build rapport and manage effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

About Us

Located at

Macquarie University

and within the

Faculty of Science and Engineering

, the

Australian Genome Foundry

is a high-throughput strain engineering facility with a highly automated workflow. This means rather than having a researcher building one strain at a time manually, the same researcher could build hundreds or thousands of strains in parallel using robotic platforms.

The

Australian Genome Foundry

is capable of synthesizing complete eukaryotic chromosomes and consists of modular robotic platforms capable of automated construction and analysis of synthetic microbial strains.

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation 58 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community.

Connect with us today

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the

staff benefits

on offer.

To Apply

Essential:
- Doctoral degree in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, microbiology, or a related discipline, and experience working with flow cytometry and FACS or equivalent experience- Significant experience as a technical lead delivering synthetic biology and metabolic engineering solutions- Excellent collaboration skills, including the ability to develop and maintain relationships with team members and a diverse range of stakeholders, to progress and deliver effective project outcomes- Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written), including the ability to articulate and explain complex technical concepts or information effectively to a non-expert audience- Strong organisational and time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines and work objectives- A considered, logical, analytical, and creative approach to problem-solving- Demonstrated experience with method development for targeted metabolite quantification- Sound understanding of biochemistry and microbiology

Desirable:
- Experience with liquid handling robotics- Expe