"Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cyanobacterial Synthetic Biology"

• Full time, 2 years fixed term, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Chemistry
• Opportunity to drive a high-impact research program on engineering carbon fixation in cyanobacteria
• Base Salary, Academic level A, $113,400 - $116,916 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Chemistry is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cyanobacterial Synthetic Biology who will work with the research group of Associate Professor Yu Heng Lau on engineering carbon fixation to enhance the growth of photosynthetic organisms.

This project is funded by an ARC Discovery Project 2026, where the research associate will focus on engineering encapsulin protein cages in cyanobacteria, with optimal carbon fixing designs to be implemented in plants through collaboration with Professor Spencer Whitney at the Australian National University. The ultimate goal of this research program is to generate crops that are more resilient and resource-efficient, leading to increased agricultural productivity.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• drive a high-impact flagship research project on engineered carbon fixation, including cyanobacterial engineering, molecular cloning and library design, growth and enzymatic assays, protein cage design and engineering, protein purification, and biochemical analyses
• assist with supervision of junior research students, including laboratory supervision, project design, skill development, and career mentorship
• communicate and support research through writing of manuscripts, grant applications, and conference presentations
• help manage ongoing academic collaborations
• coordinate laboratory administrative tasks, including equipment maintenance and lab organisation.

The School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney is a leading Chemistry department in the country, with outstanding staff and students undertaking world-leading teaching and research. The School has more than 30 academic staff, 100 research staff, and 100 research students that conduct research across the full spectrum of pure and applied chemistry, including chemical and synthetic biology.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cyanobacterial Synthetic Biology who has:

• a PhD in Synthetic Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or closely-related discipline
• expertise in culturing and engineering cyanobacteria, or related microbiological experience
• experience in molecular biology or genetic engineering techniques
• ability to learn how to conduct protein purification and characterisation
• ability to operate and maintain biological equipment (e.g. FPLC, incushakers)

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

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Applications Close

Wednesday 21 January 2026 11:59 PM