School of Molecular Sciences

ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Biology

• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 21 months
• Base salary range: Level B, $118,150 – $139,812 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The School of Molecular Sciences and the Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology is home to the research groups of Professor Ryan Lister and Dr James Lloyd who collaborate on the recently initiated Plant Artificial Chromosome project, funded by the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) to develop the world’s first bottom-up synthetic plant chromosome

About the opportunity

• Lead and undertake research using Plant Synthetic and Molecular Biology approaches to create innovative solutions for the engineering and characterisation of a synthetic chromosome for plants.
• Lead work on projects focusing on building synthetic biology parts and tools for constructing artificial plant chromosomes, including novel genetic circuits, regulatory elements, chromosome assembly systems, and genetic isolation.

• Construction and testing of artificial plant chromosomes and their comprehensive evaluation at molecular, cellular, and genomic levels.

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualification in synthetic biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline, or demonstrated equivalent competency.
• Relevant research experience at an appropriate level.

• Experience in leading and supervising research teams to coordinate collaborative activities.

• Demonstrated research experience including data collection, laboratory record-keeping, and data analysis.
• High level competency in Golden Gate or Gibson assembly, bacterial cultures, and major molecular biology techniques such as PCR and plasmid maniplualtion.

Position description:  POSITION DESCRIPTION Research Fellow - Level B .docx

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Ryan Lister at ryan.lister@uwa.edu.au

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button and 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: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 27 July 2025

This position is only open to Current UWA staff

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the People and Culture team at people@uwa.edu.au

with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include th