Research Assistant

18 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Research Field

Biological sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Australia

Application Deadline

21 Jun 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

• Contribute to advancing our crop research with your molecular biology skills and work with scientists on genomics and disease resistance
• Flexible working arrangements, part-time (0.5FTE or more) available for consideration
• Level 5, full-time appointment on a fixed-term basis for 3 years
• Base salary range: $76,422 - $84,705.00 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation

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.

About the team

The School of Biological Sciences is internationally recognised for its strong teaching programmes in the natural sciences and biology and has an enviable research track record.  The School has broad expertise across marine biology, ecology, conservation biology, evolutionary biology, computational biology, plant and animal physiology, and genomics. The School also leads UWA’s program in Science Communication. Our research programmes involve a diverse array of taxa, from microbes through animals and plants.

The Batley lab studies genetics and genomics on a range of crop, plant and pathogen species, including canola, Brassica species, subterranean clover, soybean, wheat, banana and chickpea. Research projects include identification and functional characterisation of blackleg disease resistance genes in canola, investigating the role of structural variation in the Brassica genomes, specifically in relation to disease resistance and understanding the evolution of disease resistance genes. A new project, funded through a prestigious Australian Research Council Laureate aims to further this research through characterising evolution of resistance genes across the plant kingdom. In conjunction with this our lab continues to work on development of genomes and pan genomes.

About the opportunity

In this position, you will assist with research projects investigating plant-pathogen interactions and the evolution of disease-resistance genes in Brassicas and other crops. This includes project planning, executing glasshouse/phytotron experiments, laboratory molecular techniques, conducting data analysis and interpretation and preparing scientific manuscripts for publication.

Additionally, you will work closely with the laboratory manager to perform laboratory management and organisation tasks. You will play a pivotal role in conducting cutting-edge research to decipher the genetic basis of disease resistance in crops and their wild relatives. Your responsibilities will encompass a blend of computational analysis, laboratory experimentation, and data interpretation, all aimed at advancing our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions.

About You

You will possess strong organisational skills, and efficiently multi-tasking to meet project deadlines. Your excellent interpersonal and communication skills will enhance teamwork in our collaborative research environment.

To be considered for this opportunity, you will demonstrate:

• Advanced molecular biology skills
• Substantial relevant experience in writing scientific manuscripts and reports
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis, phenotyping, and genotyping
• Experience in working in glasshouses/phytotrons to grow plants and conduct experiments
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with statistical methods for biological data analysis
• Prior experience in plant-pathogen interactions or crop genetics research is desirable
• Experience in plant genomics and mining of genomics data is desirable
• Experience in genomic analysis and bioinformatics tools is desirable

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:   PD - Research Assistant 517367.pdf

The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

You may also submit an additional statement (1 page max) outlining any personal circumstances which should be considered when assessing your application. Applicants who have experienced periods of academic/professional interruption or other relevant events can include a description of achievements relative to opportunity in this statement.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Friday, 21 June 2024

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Jacqueline Batley at [email protected]

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

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

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace.  We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution.  We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity. 

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.

Requirements
Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Country

Australia

City

Perth

Postal Code

Perth

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/unijobs/listing/373218/research-assistant/…

Contact

City

Perth

STATUS: EXPIRED