"Postdoctoral Research Associate (PSIC)"

Job Description:

• Lead the design, assembly, optimisation, and high-throughput prototyping of synthetic biology constructs and circuits for plant genome and cell engineering.
• 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

• Develop and apply workflows for modular construct design, multi-gene circuit engineering, targeted genome/transcriptome/epigenome editing systems, construct validation, and rapid upstream prototyping in transient plant-expression systems.
• Develop and maintain semi-automated design-to-build pipelines, high-throughput testing systems, and quality-control processes to ensure reproducibility, scalability, and performance.
• Support collaborative projects with academic, government, and industry partners, maintain detailed records, ensure biosafety compliance, and contribute to publications, training, and reporting.

About you

• PhD in plant synthetic biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetic engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in molecular construct design, modular cloning systems (e.g., Golden Gate/MoClo), multi-gene assembly, or synthetic gene circuit engineering.
• Experience with genome/transcriptome/epigenome engineering construct design (e.g., CRISPRa/i systems, base/prime-editing architectures).
• Hands-on experience with transient plant-expression systems (e.g., protoplast transfection, agroinfiltration) or other functional plant assays.
• Experience with high-throughput screening systems, multi-well reporter assays, or automated liquid-handling platforms.

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

Position description: PD [Postdoctoral Research Associate (PSIC)] [522157].pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Ryan Lister at ryan.lister@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 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.

Learn more about us.