Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in agricultural science through cutting-edge genomic research? The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is seeking a talented and motivated Research Fellow (Genomics) to join our School of Agriculture and Environmental Science in Toowoomba. This exciting opportunity is part of a prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project focused on understanding and mitigating dieback in Bunya pines.

Who You Are

You are a passionate and skilled researcher with a deep curiosity for genomics and its applications in plant science. You thrive in collaborative environments and are excited by the opportunity to contribute to this nationally significant ARC Discovery Project. You bring:

• Proven expertise in genome and transcriptome analysis using short and long-read sequencing.
• Experience in collaborative research, ideally across national and international teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to integrity, respect, and excellence.

What You’ll Do

As the Research Fellow (Genomics), you will play a pivotal role in assembling and annotating the genomes of Bunya pines and their associated pathogens, investigating genetic resistance mechanisms, and exploring the influence of environmental stressors. You’ll be part of a dynamic and collaborative research environment, working alongside leading scientists and contributing to high-impact outcomes that support biodiversity, forest health, and sustainable land management.

What Will Help You Succeed

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring a combination of technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and a commitment to research excellence. Specifically, success will come from:

• Holding a doctoral or master’s degree (or equivalent standing) in genome and transcriptome analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in bioinformatics and genomics, including the use of short and long-read sequencing, transcriptomics, and comparative genomics to characterise plant and pathogen genomes.
• Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and international research teams, contributing to shared goals and fostering productive partnerships.
• High-level oral and written communication abilities, with the interpersonal skills to relate well to colleagues, students, and external stakeholders using diplomacy, tact, and sound judgment.

For further information about this role, please contact Associate Professor Sambasivam Periyannan via +61 7 3470 4385 or [email protected].

The University offers a range of different ways of working and connecting across our physical and virtual spaces to meet the needs of our students, partners and community. We value diversity and strive to foster an inclusive environment that is underpinned by our values and champions, embraces and respects differences.

We support and encourage applications from all diversity groups. With an increasingly diverse workforce, we understand that careers may be placed on hold or limited throughout many life circumstances.

Find out more about UniSQ at www.unisq.edu.au

To be considered for this position, you will need to have the right to work in Australia.

Reference Number: 0091_06/25

Location: Toowoomba campus

Term: Full-time fixed-term appointment to 23 June 2028 (37.5 hrs/week)

Salary: Total remuneration range $133,256 to $157,504 pa (includes salary range of $112,381 to $132,831 pa, employer superannuation contributions of 17% of salary and annual leave loading)

Closes: Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

At USQ, we are united by our core values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence, which guide our daily actions and decision making.

If you know that this role is right for you, please submit your current resume together with a two-page (maximum) statement, outlining your skills and experience relative to ‘Who we’re looking for’ in the position description .

For more information on our selection process please refer to your recruitment journey available on our website.