Research Fellow in Plant Molecular Biology
University of Western Australia School of Molecular Sciences
Australia

• Enhance your research career and join a team of passionate and collaborative scientists led by Laureate Fellow Professor Harvey Millar in the School of Molecular Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
• Opportunity for a driven researcher to make discoveries about the genetic and cellular control of protein translation in plants to impact plant-based protein production
• Full time appointment for 3 years initially with a possibility of extension depending on performance and funding
• This position requires a start from 1 June 2021 (short delay may be negotiable)
• Salary range: Level B, $102,983 - $121,864 p.a. plus superannuation

School of Molecular Sciences

ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research-intensive universities.  With an enviable 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.

About the team

The Millar Laboratory in the Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology in the School of Molecular Biology is researching protein dynamics in plant systems to make discoveries about translational and post-translational regulation that underpin protein abundance, protein function and protein degradation and how they relate to the energetic cost of protein dynamics in cellular function and the use of cell resources. 

The laboratory operates in a broader context of molecular life sciences of plants at The University of Western Australia and collaborates with international researchers in aligned areas and industry with interests in protein production and abundance in model plants and crops.  The laboratory has expertise and equipment to fuel cutting-edge research in genomics and proteomics.

About the opportunity

Under broad directions, you will undertake innovative approaches to combine RNAseq analysis of polysomal fractions from wheat and barley tissues with experimental analysis of protein synthesis rates.  You will undertake experiments to discover genes associated with the regulation of protein synthesis and turnover in a wheat recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. You will undertake directed evolution of plant genes for particular plant enzymes in yeast or E.coli and apply transformation technologies to transfer them to model plants for functional analysis.

You will be supervised by Professor Harvey Millar, collaborate closely with the other staff and students of his laboratory, build relationships and collaborations with research groups in Australia and Overseas and play key roles in biological discovery, technology development and student supervision at UWA.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• PhD in molecular biology, genetics or a related discipline
• Experience in development and execution of transcriptome analysis by RNAseq
• Experience in molecular biology techniques and plant, yeast and/or E. coli transformation and analysis
• Experience in plant biology and undertaking plant-based experiments
• Experience in project management
• Strong computing and data management skills
• Evidence of a strong track record in high quality scientific publication and experience in preparing manuscripts for publication
• Evidence of successful supervision of post graduate students

About you

To succeed in this position, you will possess relevant experience in molecular biology techniques and plant, yeast and/or E. coli transformation with the ability to work independently with broad directions and strong project management skills. You will have prior experience in successful supervision of post graduate students with a strong track record in high quality scientific publication, relative to opportunity.

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description.

Please see the position description prior to applying:  Research Fellow - Plant Molecular Biology 506569.pdf

You are required to 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: Thursday, 6 May 2021

This position is open to international applicants.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce. We celebrate inclusion and diversity and believe gender equity is fundamental to achieving our goal of being a top 50 university by 2050.

• We have child friendly areas on campus, including childcare facilities. Flexible work arrangements, part-time hours and job sharing will all be considered.
• UWA has been awarded Platinum Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2019).
• UWA has also been awarded Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation in 2020.