Postdoctoral Research Associate (PSIC)

UWA; Crawley; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A top-ranked university in Australia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in plant synthetic biology at its Crawley campus. The role involves leading design and optimisation projects in synthetic biology, collaborating with industry and academia, and applying advanced genome editing techniques. Ideal candidates will possess a PhD in a related field and hands-on experience in plant expression systems. This position is full-time and offers a competitive salary with additional benefits, including paid parental leave and superannuation.

Benefits

26 weeks paid parental leave after one year

4 weeks annual leave

13 weeks long service leave

17% superannuation

25% off full fee courses

Discounted health insurance

On-campus childcare options

Qualifications

• PhD in plant synthetic biology, molecular biology, or biotechnology.
• Experience with genome editing and CRISPR techniques.
• Hands-on experience with transient plant expression systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimisation of synthetic biology circuits.
• Develop and maintain high-throughput testing systems.
• Collaborate with partners in plant synbio technologies.

Skills

Genome engineering

Molecular biology techniques

High-throughput screening

CRISPR techniques

Plant expression systems

Education

PhD in plant synthetic biology or related field

Tools

Automated liquid handling platforms

Multi-well reporter assays

Job description

• 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.

Postdoctoral Research Associate (PSIC)

Job no: 522157
Work type: Full Time
Location: Crawley
Categories: Science

• 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.
• 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.

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.

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: 15 Dec 2025 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 20 Jan 2026 W. Australia Standard Time