Postdoctoral Research Associate (PSIC)

The University of Western Australia; Crawley; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution located in Crawley seeks a researcher for plant synthetic biology to lead projects in single-cell genomics and high-throughput screening. The PhD holder will develop innovative workflows and collaborate with various partners to enhance research capabilities. The role offers a full-time fixed term appointment until June 2028, located at the advanced research facility. Competitive salary and inclusive workplace are provided.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace

Access to state-of-the-art research facilities

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, genomics, synthetic biology, or similar field.
• Hands-on experience with single-cell sequencing and high-throughput screening.
• Competence in computational analysis of genomic datasets.
• Ability to develop and optimize experimental methods.
• Independent research capability with contributions to publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant cell atlas generation and regulatory element discovery.
• Develop workflows for single-cell regulatory genomics assays.
• Support collaborative projects and establish reproducible methods.

Skills

Single-cell sequencing

Regulatory genomics analysis

Computational analysis

Experimental workflow optimization

Peer-reviewed publication contribution

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related field

Tools

snRNA-seq

snATAC-seq

High-throughput screening systems

Job description

Job no: 522162

Work type: Full Time

Location: Crawley

Categories: Science

• Develop scalable single-cell genomics and massively parallel screening pipelines for plant synbio parts discovery, construct evaluation, and plant characterisation
• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis until June 2028.
• Base salary range: Level A, $83,499 – $112,371 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The Plant Synbio Innovation Centre (PSIC) is based within the School of Molecular Sciences at UWA. As the WA node of Plant SynBio Australia under Bioplatforms Australia and the NCRIS program, PSIC will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research capabilities in plant synthetic biology, and agricultural biotechnology. The facility houses state-of-the-art molecular biology infrastructure and operates in collaboration with national PSBA nodes at ANU, La Trobe University, and Adelaide University. As the WA node, the PSIC is responsible for discovering, developing, and delivering plant synthetic biology componentry, technologies, datasets, and high throughput testing capabilities. PSIC’s activities span high-resolution plant cell atlas generation, regulatory network and genomic ‘parts’ discovery, development of high-throughput upstream screening pipelines to rapidly assess Synbio constructs and components, and implementation of molecular tools for both fundamental research and applied crop-engineering programs. This position will be based in the Bayliss Building on UWA’s Crawley campus, working closely with research, industry, and government partners to develop and deliver cutting-edge plant synbio technologies and services.

About the opportunity

• Lead plant cell atlas generation, regulatory element discovery, engineered plant characterisation, and high-throughput screening of synthetic-biology constructs.
• Develop, optimise, and implement workflows for single-cell regulatory genomics assays, and high-throughput construct activity screening pipelines.
• Support collaborative projects, engage with external users, and establish scalable, reproducible methods and datasets that can be applied across the PSBA network.

About you

• PhD in molecular biology, genomics, synthetic biology, computational biology, or a closely related field, with demonstrated research experience relevant to single-cell profiling, regulatory genomics analysis, or high-throughput screening.
• Hands‑on experience with experimental workflows such as single-cell or single-nucleus sequencing (snRNA-seq, snATAC-seq), protoplast-based transient assays, or high-throughput reporter/construct screening systems.
• Competence in computational analysis of large-scale genomic datasets, including proficiency in relevant programming or scripting languages and familiarity with standard workflows for single cell RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, or similar data types.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, optimise and troubleshoot experimental and computational methods, and to document workflows clearly and reproducibly.
• Evidence of independent research capability, including contribution to peer-reviewed publications and experience planning and executing research projects.

Note

A current National Police Clearance Certificate and Finance Check will be required by the successful applicant.

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.

You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.

Closing date

11:55 PM AWST on Tuesday, 20 January 2026

This position is open to international applicants.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at ******@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.

Advertised: 15 Dec 2025 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 20 Jan 2026 W. Australia Standard Time