Postdoctoral Research Associate in Grain Quality and Proteomics

• Part time (4 days per week), 4 years fixed term. Based on the Camperdown Campus at the LEES Building (F22) and at the Charles Perkins Centre (D17), with travel to the I.A. Watson Grains Research Centre in Narrabri in northern NSW
• Opportunity to work with a strong multidisciplinary team of scientists (plant breeder, agronomist, biochemist, food chemist) to investigate the effects of crop heat stress and elevated atmospheric CO2 on grain quality and the grain proteome
• Base Salary, Level A $100,717 - $107,516 p.a. (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES) is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Grain quality and proteomics) to join a multidisciplinary research team on a 4-year project supported by the Bruce Veness Chandler fund entitled "The effects of crop production under heat stress and high atmospheric CO2 on the food grain chemistry of wheat, barley and chickpea". The appointee will have access to a suite of emerging and established techniques in the project.

The broad aim of the project is to determine the effects of crop heat stress and elevated atmospheric CO2 on the grain quality and proteome of wheat, barley and chickpea. The outputs of the research will be used in gene discovery for plant breeding. The work will be done in collaboration with several academic staff in SOLES.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• select grain samples from field and glasshouse experiments conducted at the I. A. Watson Grains Research Centre at Narrabri (northern NSW) in cooperation with Professors Richard Trethowan (plant breeder) and Daniel Tan (agronomist)
• conduct laboratory experiments, including sample preparation (milling/dissection), rapid visco analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and advanced proteomics analysis (using LC/MS), as well as analyse complex datasets, with support from Associate Professor Thomas Roberts and Dr Ali Khoddami
• prepare journal manuscripts and reports in collaboration with all members of the research team
• mentor research students (PhD, Masters, Honours) working in the research project.

The School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES) brings together researchers in the life, earth, and environmental sciences to support and enhance capacity in research and teaching.

To learn more about the School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES), click here.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance in recruiting talent aligned to these values in the pursuit of research excellence and are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Grain quality and proteomics) who has:a recent PhD (or near completion) in proteomics, preferably with research experience in grain science

• a recent PhD (or near completion) in proteomics, preferably with research experience in grain science
• the ability to design appropriate experiments to address research questions on the effects of environment on grain quality
• advanced skills in proteomics analysis and interpretation of complex proteomics data
• the ability and motivation to learn laboratory techniques in grain quality analysis, including rapid visco analysis (RVA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
• the capability to carry out duties without supervision and to work cooperatively in a multidisciplinary research group
• a strong commitment to research quality and research integrity
• high levels of organisation with attention to detail and good time management
• excellent verbal and written communication skills
• the ability to assist with the supervision of research students
• a valid driver's licence and a willingness to travel (including driving University vehicles) from Sydney to Narrabri (in northern NSW).

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Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary steps, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

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The University of Sydney

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Applications Close

Monday 17 April 2023 11:59 PM