Senior Research Technician

UWA; Crawley; On-site; GBP 48,000 - GBP 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university seeks a Senior Research Technician to support high-impact synthetic microbiology research. You will coordinate laboratory activities and contribute directly to experimental execution in a collaborative research environment. The role requires a relevant qualification and practical experience in microbiology or molecular biology. This fixed-term position offers competitive salary plus benefits, with opportunities for hands-on experience in advanced research facilities.

Benefits

26 weeks parental leave

4 weeks annual leave with options to purchase

Salary packaging options

Discounted health insurance

Qualifications

• Practical experience in microbiology and molecular biology techniques required.
• Experience with bioreactor and fermentation systems is a plus.
• Comfortable managing routine laboratory tasks.
• Commitment to maintaining compliant, reproducible workflows.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and optimize day-to-day laboratory activities.
• Contribute to experimental execution and data quality.
• Gain hands-on experience with advanced microbial cultivation systems.

Skills

Microbiology techniques

Molecular biology techniques

Organizational skills

Good laboratory practice

Education

Qualification in biotechnology, microbiology or related discipline

Tools

Bioreactor systems

Fermentation systems

Job description

Senior Research Technician

• Work at the Cutting Edge of Synthetic Biology & Biomanufacturing
• High‑Impact Technical Role with Real Ownership & Growth
• Full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment on a fixed term basis for 12 months.
• Base salary range: $95,231 – $100,643 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

Benefits

• 26 weeks paid parental leave after one year and 36 weeks after five years continuous service, regardless of gender.
• 4 weeks annual leave with the option to purchase more.
• 13 weeks long service leave after seven/ten years.
• Salary packaging options.
• 17% superannuation, with the option to reduce to the minimum super guarantee.
• 25% off UWA full fee courses, discounted health insurance, and convenient on-campus childcare options.
• Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.

About the area

The School of Molecular Sciences is one of Australia’s leading research environments, spanning chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and synthetic biology. It hosts a highly collaborative community of academic and professional staff working with state‑of‑the‑art research platforms, including advanced microscopy, multi‑omics, analytical chemistry and bioprocess facilities. This role sits within the Synthetic Microbiology Laboratory; an internationally recognised group focused on engineering fast‑growing microbial systems for sustainable biomanufacturing. The laboratory operates at the interface of fundamental biology, applied biotechnology and industry‑connected research within modern facilities in UWA’s Bayliss Building.

About the opportunity

• Support high‑impact synthetic microbiology research by coordinating and optimising day‑to‑day laboratory, fermentation and bioprocess activities.
• Contribute directly to experimental execution, data quality and reproducibility within a collaborative research team of academic staff, postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students.
• Gain hands‑on experience with advanced microbial cultivation systems, automation platforms and translational research programs connected to industry.

About you

• You have a qualification in biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, chemical engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant laboratory experience.
• You bring practical experience in microbiology and/or molecular biology techniques, with a willingness to develop expertise in bioreactor and fermentation systems.
• You are highly organised, detail‑focused and comfortable managing routine laboratory tasks, equipment, documentation and consumables.
• You understand good laboratory practice and safety requirements and are committed to maintaining compliant, reproducible workflows.
• You work effectively as part of a research team, with the ability to communicate clearly and provide technical support to researchers and students.

Note

Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations.

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on 2nd March 2026.

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

Note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

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, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at [e-mail] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.

Advertised: 05 Feb 2026 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 02 Mar 2026 W. Australia Standard Time

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