"Postdoctoral Research Associate"

Job Description

• Work at the cutting edge of next-generation biomanufacturing within a globally recognised synthetic biology research environment.
• Grow your career in an interdisciplinary, well-resourced ecosystem with access to advanced facilities, platforms, and strong industry collaborations.
• Full-time (1 FTE) appointment on a fixed term basis for 2 years.
• Base salary range: Level A8, $112,371 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The UWA School of Molecular Sciences (SMS) is one of Australia’s leading research environments in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and synthetic biology. Based in the modern Bayliss Building precinct, the school provides access to world-class infrastructure including advanced microscopy, multi-omics platforms, analytical chemistry suites, and dedicated fermentation and bioprocess facilities.

You will join the Synthetic Microbiology Laboratory specialising in engineering ultra-fast microbial chassis for sustainable biomanufacturing. The team is best known for its pioneering work on Vibrio natriegens, including the development of advanced genetic toolkits, high-throughput engineering platforms, and systems-level optimisation strategies.

The group works at the interface of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess design, and maintains close collaborations with academic and industry partners. Members benefit from a highly supportive, technically strong, and ambitious research culture, with regular engagement in high-impact publications, translational projects, and large-scale funding initiatives.

This integrated environment offers exceptional opportunities to build an international research profile while working with state-of-the-art infrastructure and a collaborative, forward-looking research team.

About the opportunity

This position is part of a major interdisciplinary research program focused on establishing Vibrio natriegens—the fastest-growing bacterium known—as a next-generation microbial cell factory for sustainable biomanufacturing.

The project aims to convert sugarcane-derived feedstocks into high-value polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), offering scalable, low-carbon alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. By integrating advanced strain engineering with rigorous bioprocess optimisation, the program seeks to deliver high-productivity, seawater-based, and resource-efficient fermentation systems that are economically and environmentally competitive.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will play a central role in translating laboratory-scale advances into robust, scalable processes. Your work will span small-scale screening through to early pilot-scale operation, with a strong emphasis on:

• High-cell-density and fed-batch cultivation
• Media and feeding strategy optimisation
• Process robustness and reproducibility
• Scale-down and early scale-up modelling
• Integration of strain performance, sustainability, and techno-economic constraints

You will work closely with strain engineers, students, and collaborators in a highly integrated team, where biological design, process performance, and commercial considerations jointly inform development decisions. The role also involves contributing to high-impact publications, student supervision, and future funding proposals, providing strong exposure to translational research and career development opportunities.

About you

• Degree qualification or equivalent experience in bioprocess engineering, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or a related discipline
• Experience in microbial fermentation, bioprocess development, and hands-on bioreactor operation
• Strong analytical ability, including quantitative data analysis and familiarity with HPLC/GC/LC-MS
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Experience with scale-up/scale-down approaches and an understanding of sustainability or techno-economic considerations

Position description: PD - Postdoctoral Research Associate (522521).pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Georg Fritz at georg.fritz@uwa.edu.au

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 2 March 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia

Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Generous paid leave including parental leave.
• Up to 17% employer paid superannuation.
• Salary packaging available.
• Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.
• Discounted UWA course fees.
• Discounted health insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.