Senior Research Fellow (OceanOmics Centre)

UWA; Crawley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Crawley is seeking a Senior Research Fellow in the OceanOmics Centre. This full-time, fixed-term role focuses on advancing ocean conservation through groundbreaking marine genomics research. Ideal candidates will possess a PhD and expertise in marine biology and genomic technologies, and will contribute to innovative projects in a collaborative environment. The university offers a competitive salary package and options for career progression.

Benefits

26 weeks paid parental leave

4 weeks annual leave with purchase option

17% superannuation

Discounted health insurance

On-campus childcare options

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in marine biology and relevant PhD.
• Experience in leading research projects with genomic tools.
• Planning and conducting marine fieldwork according to standards.
• Understanding of molecular biology and NGS workflows.
• Experience with large-scale genomic datasets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize genomic tools for marine conservation.
• Conduct high-impact research and collaborate with global partners.
• Lead innovative laboratory and computational workflows.

Skills

Marine biology

Genomics

Bioinformatics

Computational biology

Molecular ecology

Data analysis

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

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.

Senior Research Fellow (OceanOmics Centre)

Job no: 521831
Work type: Full Time
Location: Crawley
Categories: Science

• World-class genomics hub driving breakthroughs in marine biodiversity research and conservation.
• Collaborative research environment with cutting‑edge facilities and strategic partnerships for global impact.
• Full‑time appointment on a fixed term basis for 3 years.
• Base salary range: Level C, $144,143 – $165,809 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.
• Base salary range: Level B, $118,150 – $139,812 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA is a world‑class research facility established through a collaboration between The University of Western Australia and Minderoo Foundation. Located in the Bayliss Building on UWA’s Crawley Campus, the Centre uses ground-breaking genomics‑based research to characterise marine biodiversity. Focusing on Australia’s native marine vertebrates and regional marine ecosystems, we integrate advanced genomics infrastructure, specialist expertise, and strong collaborative networks to generate large‑scale Environmental DNA (eDNA) and whole‑genome sequencing datasets. Our work establishes a genomics‑enabled foundation for biodiversity discovery, ecological understanding, informed conservation‑management and the development of innovative biomonitoring solutions. OceanOmics Centre is staffed by a team of researchers, scientific officers and research technicians who are also part of the UWA Oceans Institute, a multidisciplinary research institution based in the nearby Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre.

About the opportunity

• Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA is a joint initiative with Minderoo Foundation, advancing ocean conservation using marine genomics and whole genome sequencing of marine vertebrates.
• The Centre develops innovative laboratory and computational workflows for genome sequencing, assembly, data analysis, and open‑access genomic resources to inform biodiversity conservation.
• Equipped with state‑of‑the‑art sequencing technologies and robotics, the Centre collaborates with UWA, Western Australian Museum, DPIRD WA Fisheries and global partners to deliver high‑impact research and management insights.

About you

• Tertiary qualifications in marine biology and a PhD in a relevant discipline such as genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular ecology, molecular biology, or molecular genetics.
• Proven experience in designing and leading research projects, with a focus on the development, optimisation, and application of genomic tools and technologies to marine species and ecosystems.
• Experience in planning and conducting marine fieldwork, including specimen and tissue collection, sample handling, and data recording in accordance with ethical and biosafety standards.
• Advanced understanding of molecular biology and high‑throughput, next‑generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, enabling effective collaboration with laboratory staff and the development and execution of optimised sequencing and analysis pipelines.
• Demonstrated experience in deriving biological insights from large‑scale genomic datasets, including whole‑genome sequencing, population genomics, or transcriptomics data.

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 Monday, 5 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: 25 Nov 2025 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 05 Jan 2026 W. Australia Standard Time