Postdoctoral Research Associate (Bioprocess Engineering)

UWA; Crawley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Crawley seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to engage in cutting-edge bioprocess engineering research. The role involves optimizing processes for microbial cell factories, including strain engineering, scale-up modeling, and contributing to high-impact publications. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and experience in microbial fermentation and bioprocess development. This full-time, fixed-term position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Play a central role in translating laboratory-scale advances into robust, scalable processes.
• Conduct small-scale screening through to early pilot-scale operation.
• Optimize media and feeding strategies for process robustness and reproducibility.
• Contribute to high-impact publications and student supervision.
• Engage in future funding proposals for project development.

Skills

Microbial fermentation

Bioprocess development

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Scale-up/scale-down approaches

Education

Degree in bioprocess engineering, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or related discipline

Tools

HPLC

GC

LC-MS

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Bioprocess Engineering)

Job no: 522521
Work type: Full Time
Location: Crawley
Categories: Science

• 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

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

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

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, the opportunity to join Western Australia’s top university remains.

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