Research Associate

• Opportunity for a self-driven researcher to enhance their career, develop strong quantitative skills, coordinate and participate in research expeditions to remote biodiversity hotspots in south-western Australia, and work with a collaborative and dynamic team of national and international experts in plant biology, ecophysiology and pathology
• Full-time, three-year appointment
• Salary range: Level A Step 8, $97,946 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

School of Biological Sciences  

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 School of Biological Sciences is a large, multidisciplinary School with over 80 high-calibre staff delivering world-class education and research programs to approximately 600 undergraduate and postgraduate students and is responsible for the supervision of ~100 PhD students. The School is research-intensive with expertise in the disciplines of Plant Biology, Animal Biology, Computational Biology, Ecology & Conservation, Evolutionary Biology, Neuroscience and Science Communication.

About the opportunity

As a Research Associate on an ARC Discovery grant, you will undertake research on a project titled: Maintenance of high plant species diversity by oomycete pathogens and mycorrhizal fungi in phosphorus-impoverished ecosystems. A copy of the ARC Discovery project is available upon request.

Reporting to E/Professor Hans Lambers, Professor Treena Burgess (from Murdoch University) and Dr Kosala Ranathunge, you will have an active involvement in the co-supervision and training of postgraduate and Honours students. You will collaborate actively with other researchers, and contribute to the operations and maintenance of the laboratory facilities. You will also be required to travel in south-western Australia for fieldwork as part of this position.

You will have an opportunity to develop a modest teaching profile while delivering the outcomes of this project.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• PhD in plant ecophysiology, plant pathology or a related discipline
• Theoretical knowledge and understanding of plant biology
• Knowledge and experience in a wide range of plant experimental biological methods and approaches
• Highly developed quantitative skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

About you

To succeed in this position, you must have sound interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise with others and contribute effectively in a team environment. You will also hold a current ‘C’ class Driver’s licence (a current 4WD licence is desirable). Prior experience working on Australian native plants will be highly regarded.

For more information or a copy of the ARC Discovery project, please contact E/Professor Hans Lambers on hans.lambers@uwa.edu.au .

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:   Position Description - Research Associate 509338.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 address the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria .

Closing date: Monday, 18 April 2022

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 for some positions.
• UWA has been awarded Bronze Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2021).
• UWA has also been awarded Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation in 2020. 

Advertised:21 Mar 2022 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:18 Apr 2022 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time