Postdoctoral Fellow

UNSW; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW is seeking a highly motivated researcher for the School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Science to advance microalgal genetics and climate resilience research. The role supports collaborations, supervises students, and develops transformation protocols for Ecklonia radiata.

Requires a PhD, strong molecular biology skills, and a proven publication record. This fixed-term position spans two years with full-time hours and a competitive salary with superannuation. Applicants closing soon.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related discipline or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with microalgal culture and transformation, and expertise in molecular biology.
• Commitment to keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research with limited supervision.
• Track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with stakeholders and students.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to training.

Responsibilities

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Lead construction of insertional deletion libraries of microalgal species.
• Assist in development of development of transformation protocols for Ecklonia radiata.
• Lead maintenance and culture of microalgal strains, and cryopreservation where appropriate.
• 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.

Skills

Molecular biology

Microalgal culture

Research collaboration

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in a related discipline

Tools

CRISPR editing

Culture techniques

Job description

• 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

This Job is based in Australia

The School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Science (BABS) teaches undergraduates, mentors postgraduate research students and conducts research in the disciplines of biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology and immunology.

The role is funded by Revive and Restore as a part of the Golden Genome Project ‘Algal Genetic Engineering for Climate Resilience’ https://reviverestore.org/genetic-engineering-for-climate-resilience/. The project aims to leverage deletion library generation approaches to identify climate resilience determining loci in microalgae with small genomes and apply novel CRISPR mediate gene editing to Ecklonia radiata to improve climate resilience in the marine environment.

About The Role

• $118K - $126K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years
• Full time (35 hours per week)

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Lead construction of insertional deletion libraries of microalgal species.
• Assist in development of development of transformation protocols for Ecklonia radiata.
• Lead maintenance and culture of microalgal strains, and cryopreservation where appropriate.
• 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)

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have

• A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Experience with microalgal culture and transformation, and expertise in molecular biology.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high-quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and 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.

Applications close: November 5th, 2026

Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www.unsw.edu.au

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