Position Details:

• Fixed Term until August 2027 (2 Years) | Full-Time
• Academic Level A | $86,423 - $104,734 p.a. + 17% Super
• Location: Bedford Park, Kaurna Country
• View Position Description
  
  

About the Eijkelkamp Lab

The Eijkelkamp Lab examines how bacterial pathogens adapt to adverse conditions encountered at the host-pathogen interface, with a focus on the impact of fatty acids. These important biomolecules strongly aid immune-mediated clearance of bacterial pathogens, and dietary anomalies are directly linked to an increased risk of contracting bacterial infections. However, fatty acids are also critical nutrients to the pathogen, therefore our research studies how bacteria maintain a cellular homeostasis in hosts on distinct lipid diets. Our understanding of the delicate balance in these key nutrients at the host-pathogen interface supports the development of nutritional interventions to save the lives of critically ill patients.

About the Role

The College of Science and Engineering is seeking a Research Associate to join the Eijkelkamp Lab and advance innovative research in microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.

Working under the direction of Associate Professor Bart Eijkelkamp, this position is offers an excellent mentorship opportunity, with the prospect of building a profile and track record that is competitive for national grants and future project work.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Contribute to the planning and execution of research by offering new ideas, reviewing relevant literature and other sources of information, actively participating in the production of data and attending seminars, meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to ethical, high quality and innovative research to achieve the outcomes of the project.
• Complete some out-of-hours work, including weekends, as well as travel to rural South Australia, interstate, or overseas, may be required.

Please note, this position is open to candidates with Australian and/or New Zealand Work Rights.

About You

With a strong research track history, your well-developed technical and analytical skills will elevate the quality and depth of investigations into complex biological systems.

You will demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative capabilities, including the ability to proactively solve problems, manage competing priorities, and make independent decisions. Your strong communication skills will enable you to effectively engage with peers, clinical partners, and industry stakeholders, supporting research that can translate into real-world impact.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following:

• Completion of a PhD in Microbiology or significant progress towards completion of a PhD in Microbiology.
• A demonstrated capacity to apply effective technical methods, processes and systems, and sound data analysis and presentation skills using contemporary software packages.
• Extensive molecular biology, bacteriology and biochemistry is required for this position. Expertise in aseptic bacterial cultivation and mutagenesis are core, and skills in (q)PCR, fluorescent microscopy and various extractions (e.g. RNA, DNA, lipids) are important. Prior experience in analytical chemistry, and interpretation of genomics, transcriptomics, lipidomics, proteomics datasets are
  
  

Life at Flinders

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Wide range of professional development activities and services
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gymand childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).
  
  

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• A valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will also be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position.
  
  

How to Apply and Information

• To apply online, please visit the Jobs@Flinders website via the job portal: JR0000013840 Research Associate in Microbiology
• You are required to submit your CV, a Cover letter and a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing up to 5 of your strongest Key Position Capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, we strongly encourage you to contact Bart Eijkelkamp.
• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy
  
  

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm Sunday, 20 July 2025

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.