Research Fellow in Biology

University of Queensland

 

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

 

As part of our commitment to research excellence, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and post-fellowship contracts via our UQ Amplify initiative.

 

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. Not only do we have one of the largest PhD enrolments in Australia, but we have also made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

 

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to focus your efforts on developing your expertise and emerging research profile in RNAi, Plant Molecular Biology or related field. At this level it is expected that you will contribute to service and engagement roles and activities.

 

This project is a Grains Research and Development Corporation funded project led from UQ and partnering with The University of Melbourne to investigate whether RNA-based biopesticide can be used for sustainable crop protection. This project will focus on the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal agent of blackleg disease of canola. 

 

Key responsibilities will include: 

 

Research

  • Lead, and contribute to, high quality research in the field of RNA interference for plant protection against fungal pathogens. 

  • Participate in the planning, development, conduct, and analysis of fungal and plant research (laboratory and controlled environment rooms) to develop a RNAi as a plant protection technology. 

  • Use appropriate scientific, computer, and laboratory technology in the conduct of technical work. 

  • Excellent research management skills including keeping accurate records of project activities and an ability to communicate them effectively to the team leader. 

  • Prepare presentations and reports for industrial partner/s and/or external stakeholders as required. 

  • Contribute to the preparation of grant applications, papers for conference presentations, and funding body reports. 

  • Conduct research and publish scholarly papers in high quality outlets. 

  • Maintain absolute confidentiality regarding project results where appropriate and when requested. 

  • Genuine enthusiasm for research and ambitions for high achievement. 

  • Participate in interactions with industry and research collaborators.  

 

Supervision and Researcher Development

  • Participate in events to attract postgraduate students to the Institute 

  • Contribute to supervision and training of research assistants, and research higher degree students. Teach and supervise at honours and postgraduate level. Consult and advise students 

  • Provide support for other positions during absences. 

 

Citizenship and Service

  • Foster the Institute's relations with industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community. 

  • Any other duties as reasonably directed by your supervisor  

 

Other

Ensure you are aware of and comply with legislation and University policy relevant to the duties undertaken, including but not exclusive to:

 

This is a research-focused academic position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

 

This is a full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to 30 June 2026, at Academic level A. The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $86,346.14 - $99,426.59, plus a generous super allowance of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be up to $101,024.98 - $116,329.11 annually. 

 

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

 

About You  

  • PhD (completed or near completion) in a relevant discipline RNAi, Plant or Fungal Molecular Biology or related field 

  • Demonstrated knowledge in the field of RNA interference and in the area of molecular biology including PCR, cloning, restriction digests, expression and purification of RNA, and their detection methods and analysis. 

  • Demonstrated research management skills including the ability to plan and execute research objectives independently and within a defined timeframe. 

  • Ability to work as a members of a multi-skilled team, building effective working relationships with colleagues and industry partners.

  • High level of professional integrity, with sound organisational and problem-solving skills. 

 

Desirable

  • Evidence of a significant contribution to scientific research in the field of RNAi, including publication of scientific work in high impact factor peer reviewed journals. 

  • Familiarity with appropriate statistical and bioinformatics programs  

  • Ability to communicate effectively with industry partners and assist in delivery of research milestones for funding bodies  

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues 

  • Experience in plant-pathology experimental systems  

 

In addition, the following mandatory requirements apply:

  • Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship may be available for this appointment. 

 

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may be able to support you with the visa sponsorship process and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

 

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Donald Gardiner – donald.gardiner@uq.edu.au

 

For application queries, please contact recruitment@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 
 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

  • Resume

  • Cover letter

  • Responses to the ‘About You’ section

 

Other Information 

At UQ we know that our greatest strengths come from our diverse mix of colleagues, this is reflected in our ongoing commitment to creating an environment focused on equity, diversity and inclusion.  We ensure that we are always attracting, retaining and promoting colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our broader community, whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to recruitment@uq.edu.au 

 

If you are a current employee (including casual staff and HDR scholars) or hold an unpaid/affiliate appointment, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.

 

Applications close Saturday 16 September 2023 at 11.00pm AEST (R-28614). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid-late September.

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