Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Science

Western Sydney University; Richmond; Hybrid; AUD 97,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Parking salary sacrifice

Novated leasing

Onsite childcare

EAP & wellbeing

Job summary

Western Sydney University invites applications for a Full-time, 3-year fixed-term Academic Level A position at Hawkesbury campus with flexible arrangements in Wagga Wagga. You will lead and contribute to a nationally significant program on improving canola tolerance to soil acidity, using field, glasshouse and genomic approaches.

Working within the School of Science, you will design experiments, analyse complex datasets, publish findings and engage with industry partners.

Qualifications

• A doctoral qualification in Agriculture, Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Plant Breeding or related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in plant physiology, molecular biology, plant breeding and/or abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms.
• Experience conducting field, glasshouse and laboratory-based plant research, including data collection, management and analysis.
• Knowledge of genomic, genetic and bioinformatics approaches relevant to plant research, including QTL analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct and analyse field, glasshouse and laboratory experiments using phenotyping, molecular biology and genomic approaches.
• Identify traits and candidate genes and apply genomic methodologies in collaboration with partners.
• Contribute to publications, presentations and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Mentor research students and support funding applications and teaching/outreach activities.

Skills

Research experience

Plant physiology

Molecular biology

Abiotic stress tolerance

Education

Doctoral qualification in Agriculture/Plant Science

Job description

• Full-time, 3 Years Fixed-Term position at Academic Level A.
• Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements in Wagga Wagga.
• Salary: $97,153 – $117,376 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Investigate acid soil tolerance in canola through field, glasshouse and genomic research.

The Opportunity

In this job, you will contribute to a nationally significant research program focused on improving canola tolerance to acid soils across Australian grain‑growing regions. Working within the School of Science, you will undertake high‑impact research that supports the development of improved canola varieties and strengthens agricultural productivity outcomes for industry partners and the broader community.

You will design, conduct and analyse field, glasshouse and laboratory experiments using phenotyping, molecular biology and genomic approaches in Wagga Wagga and Richmond, NSW. The role offers the opportunity to work with complex biological datasets, identify traits and candidate genes associated with acid soil tolerance, and apply contemporary genomic and bioinformatics methodologies in a collaborative research environment.

You will contribute to publications, presentations and stakeholder engagement activities while building productive relationships with project partners and academic colleagues. The position also provides opportunities to mentor research students, contribute to funding applications and support teaching and outreach activities that strengthen the University's research impact and profile.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver high-quality research outcomes that advance understanding of canola tolerance to soil acidity.
• Apply phenotyping, molecular and genomic approaches to identify traits, genomic regions and candidate genes associated with acid soil tolerance.
• Produce peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and technical reports that disseminate project findings.
• Contribute effectively to multidisciplinary and multi‑institutional research collaborations while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
• Maintain research data and records in accordance with responsible research practices and University requirements.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• A doctoral qualification in Agriculture, Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Plant Breeding or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in plant physiology, molecular biology, plant breeding and/or abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms.
• Experience conducting field, glasshouse and laboratory‑based plant research, including data collection, management and analysis.
• Knowledge of genomic, genetic and bioinformatics approaches relevant to plant research, including QTL analysis and related methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams and communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff‑only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.
• Position Enquiries: Direct to Jay Bose, Associate Professor in Intensive Food Production via [e-mail]. Please include the job reference code REF1666O.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wed 30 September 2026.
• Working Rights: Employer Visa Sponsorship will be provided if required.

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [e-mail].

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.