Research Fellow

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Salary Package: $112,550 (LEVEL A.6) p.a. plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
• Appointment Type: Full-time, 2 years fixed term
• Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus (North Ryde)

Join a multi-disciplinary team aiming to systematically investigate nutrient uptake and metabolism in a fast‑growing cyanobacterium.

Nutrient uptake pathways in cyanobacteria are poorly understood, yet they are critical for understanding ocean carbon cycling and for harnessing cyanobacteria in biomanufacturing. The Macquarie University, School of Natural Sciences, is currently seeking a suitably qualified Research Fellow to join a multi-disciplinary team working to decode cyanobacterial nutrient uptake systems in collaboration with the University of Queensland, the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. This work, supported by an ARC Discovery Project, integrates protein biochemistry, physiological characterisation, cyanobacterial genetic engineering, high‑throughput functional genomics, transcriptomics and stable isotope‑resolved metabolomics.

The successful applicant will work with Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, Professor Esteban Marcellin, Dr Bhumika Shah and Dr Alescia Cullen to:

• Construct a cyanobacterial deletion mutant library of nutrient uptake genes using biofoundry automation
• Compare the growth and physiology of wildtype strains and mutants
• Utilise functional genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics to resolve metabolic pathways and regulatory networks
• Provide day‑to‑day support to HDR students and collaborate closely with chief investigators to ensure the timely delivery of the project milestones
• Initiate and maintain academic and industry collaborations, and apply for research funding
• Communicate research findings in scientific journals and at conferences