Contribute to advancing our crop research with your molecular biology skills and work with scientists on genomics and disease resistance
Assist with research projects investigating plant-pathogen interactions and the evolution of disease-resistance genes in Brassicas and other crops
Project planning, executing glasshouse/phytotron experiments, laboratory molecular techniques, conducting data analysis and interpretation, and preparing scientific manuscripts for publication
Work closely with the laboratory manager to perform laboratory management and organization tasks
Conduct cutting-edge research to decipher the genetic basis of disease resistance in crops and their wild relatives
Blend of computational analysis, laboratory experimentation, and data interpretation to advance understanding of plant-pathogen interactions
Requirements
Advanced molecular biology skills
Substantial relevant experience in writing scientific manuscripts and reports
Proficiency in molecular biology techniques including 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
Benefits
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
Notes
Job no: 517367
Work type: part time, full time
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
Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Friday, 21 June 2024
Research Assistant
Job no: 517367 Work type: part time, full time Location: Crawley Categories: Research support, Technical/Laboratory support, Science
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 Jacqueline.Batley@uwa.edu.au
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 talent-hr@uwa.edu.au 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.
Advertised: 17 May 2024 W. Australia Standard Time Applications close: 21 Jun 2024 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time
