• Salary Package: From $110,274 to $130,472 (Level B) p.a. plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
• Appointment Type: Full-time, 2 years fixed term
• Convenient Macquarie University (North Ryde) location

The Role

The School of Natural Sciences is currently seeking a suitably qualified Research Fellow to join a multi-disciplinary team within the Australian Genome Foundry. This multifaceted role involves developing and showcasing biofoundry technology for genome engineering and DNA assembly, microbial metabolic engineering for target protein and metabolite production, and novel high-throughput screening and directed evolution systems. The primary role of the position is to help coordinate and lead research and service delivery in the Australian Genome Foundry alongside the Chief Scientist and Scientific Director.

The successful applicant will work with Dr Tom Williams and Professor Ian Paulsen, to:

• Establish and showcase cutting edge biofoundry workflows
• Engineer novel biological systems to enable ultra-high-throughput screening and directed evolution for desired phenotypes
• Generate novel forms of genetic diversity for screening using biosensors and biofoundry workflows
• Co-supervise HDR students and biofoundry staff on the above projects
• Initiate and maintain academic and industry collaborations, and apply for research funding

About You

You will have completed a PhD in synthetic biology or a closely related discipline. You will enjoy bringing impactful research outcomes and working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary research team. Your collaborative approach to working with others will ensure you perform effectively within a multi-disciplinary environment. If you are an excellent communicator with a proactive nature and are flexible and resilient in your approach, then this is a role you will thrive in and a team you will enjoy working with.

About Us

Located at Macquarie University and within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Australian Genome Foundry is a high-throughput strain engineering facility with a highly automated workflow. This means rather than having a researcher manually building one strain at a time, the same researcher could build hundreds or thousands of strains in parallel using robotic platforms. The Australian Genome Foundry is capable of synthesizing complete eukaryotic chromosomes and consists of modular robotic platforms capable of automated construction and analysis of synthetic microbial strains.

What we do

We seek to increase automation and throughput of the biofoundry, moving it from a bespoke academic facility to a world class genome foundry which will act as a magnet for developing and attracting biotechnology start-up companies to NSW.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online by submitting your CV and a separate cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the following selection criteria:

Essential

• PhD in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, or related discipline
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and work independently without close supervision
• Relevant experience with microbial strain engineering and evaluation
• Ability to devise and implement a wide range of synthetic biology approaches to metabolic engineering
• Experienced at molecular and microbiology protocols

Desirable

• Understanding of the fundamentals of biofoundry automation
• Understanding of standard flow cytometry procedures
• Experience with analytical chemistry

Role Enquiries: Dr Tom Williams, Chief Scientific Officer at tom.williams@mq.edu.au

Applications Close: Sunday, 11 December 2022 at 11:55 pm AEST

Macquarie University is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We value individual difference and recognise the strength of a vibrant, diverse and inclusive workforce where the backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of our staff are a driving force for collaboration, innovation and impact.

We work to ensure genuine equality of opportunity for people regardless of their gender, age, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and/or family status, and we encourage you to apply for a position at Macquarie University.