Postdoctoral Fellow

UNSW; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 650,000 - 694,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW’s School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Science invites applications for a fixed‑term, full‑time research role to advance the Golden Genome Project on algal genetic engineering. The role focuses on developing deletion libraries and CRISPR methods in microalgae, with emphasis on climate resilience in Ecklonia radiata.

You will conduct cutting-edge research, collaborate across disciplines, supervise students, and disseminate findings through papers and conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience with microalgal culture and genetic transformation.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality academic research with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to collaborative or independent research to improve research outcomes.
• Undertake specific research projects under a leader and contribute to research activity development.
• Disseminate research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Engage in surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and record results with proper methods.
• Present at conferences/workshops as required.
• Supervise research students where needed.
• Lead construction of insertional deletion libraries of microalgal species.
• Develop transformation protocols for Ecklonia radiata and related species.

Skills

PhD in related discipline

Microalgal culture & transformation

Academic research

Publications & presentations

Teamwork & collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder communication

Education

PhD in related discipline

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

• 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

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

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.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Contact

Hugh Goold

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: November 5th, 2026

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

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).