Research Associate – Crop Genomics

Job Description:

• Full time, 2-year fixed-term appointment, with potential for renewal
• Research intensive position
• Salary range: Level A: $72, 780 - $97,946 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The School of Biological Sciences

Batley Lab Crop Genomics

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 coursework students and is responsible for the supervision of ~100 PhD students. The School is research-intensive with expertise in the disciplines of Computational Biology, Ecology & Conservation, Evolutionary Biology, Neuroscience and Science Communication.

The Batley lab studies genetics and genomics on a range of crop and pathogen species, including subterranean clover, soybean, wheat, banana and chickpea, with other projects on a wide range of species including parasitic plants and pearl oyster, however our primary research focus is on the agricultural oilseed crop Brassica napus (canola), and its interactions with the disease-causing fungus Leptosphaeria maculans (blackleg). Related research projects include identification of blackleg disease resistance genes in canola using next-generation sequencing and high-throughput molecular marker approaches. New projects are investigating the role of structural variation in the Brassica genomes, specifically in relation to disease resistance and understanding the evolution of disease resistance genes. In conjunction with this our lab continues to work on development of genomes and pan genomes.

About the role

You, as the successful appointee, will be responsible for research projects investigating plant pathogen interactions and evolution of disease resistance genes and preparing and publishing scientific publications with a focus on crop plants.

You will also be involved in project planning, execution of molecular experiments, data analysis and interpretation, preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication and participation in the supervision of other research personnel engaged in the projects.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• Graduate or Postgraduate qualifications in the area of plant genomics, plant pathogen interactions or plant molecular biology or a combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Advanced molecular biology skills
• Substantial relevant experience in writing scientific manuscripts and reports
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in plant genomics and mining of genomics data
• Experience with plant genetic transformation and genome editing
• High level competence in biological laboratory safety and best practice
• Highly developed organisational skills with the demonstrated ability to set priorities and to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated good workplace communication skills
• Advanced computing skills
• Ability to work independently, show initiative, problem solve and work productively as part of a team
• Desirable: understanding of plant pathogen interactions

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: 509303.pdf

Closing date: Friday, 20 May 2022

This position is open to international applicants.

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

UWA has in place a temporary COVID-19 Premises Access Direction to help protect the University community’s health and safety. This means you will be required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status (or have a Vaccination Exemption Statement) as a condition of entry to all UWA buildings and enclosed outdoor structures.

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 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.