School of Molecular Sciences

ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space

• Integrate advanced cell imaging and synthetic biology to create and characterise the first fully artificial plant chromosome, within an ARIA Synthetic Plants international team.
• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 2.5 years until May 2028.
• Base salary range: Level A, $83,499 – $112,371; Level B, $118,150 - $139,812 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The School of Molecular Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space is home to the research groups of Professor Ryan Lister and Dr James Lloyd who collaborate on the recently initiated Plant Artificial Chromosome project, funded by the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) to develop the world’s first bottom-up synthetic plant chromosome

About the opportunity

• Undertake research using advanced microscopy and imaging techniques, combined with plant synthetic and molecular biology approaches, to create innovative solutions for the engineering and characterisation of a synthetic chromosome for plants
• Focus on comprehensively testing and characterising fully artificial plant chromosomes, their functionality, interactions within plant cells and tissues, and synthetic components
• Engage collaboratively in research projects within the broader ARIA project team and associated laboratories at UWA and with external project collaborators, including industry partners
• Supervise students, educational outreach activities, and translation of fundamental science to advance plant biotechnology and synthetic biology applications

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualification in cell biology, synthetic biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline, or demonstrated equivalent competency.
• Relevant research experience at an appropriate level.
• Expert capabilities in conventional and advanced cellular and molecular imaging approaches (e.g. light-sheet and super-resolution microscopy, live-chromatin tagging).
• Plant cell preparation and cytogenetics, such as protoplast isolation, tissue clearing, whole-mount staining, expansion microscopy, chromosome spreads for FISH/IF, live imaging.
• Demonstrated research experience including data collection, laboratory record-keeping, and data analysis.
• High personal motivation, ability to work independently, show initiative, problem solve and work productively as part of a highly collaborative team.

Position description: POSITION DESCRIPTION [Research Associate or Research Fellow (Advanced Imaging for Plant Synthetic Biology] - Level [A] or Level [B} .pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Ryan Lister at [email protected]

How to apply

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.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday, 11 August 2025

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.

Learn more about us.

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 People & Culture team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.