Postdoctoral Fellow Full-time

Postdoctoral Fellow

This position offers an outstanding opportunity to contribute to innovative research on genome reorganisation and the generation of novel genetic variation in plants within the Research School of Biology at The Australian National University. The successful candidate will lead experimental research in Brassica species, including Arabidopsis and canola, applying Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, molecular cloning, and genetic approaches to understand and manipulate genome structure and function. The role integrates controlled-environment phenotyping, pre-breeding activities, and molecular and genetic analyses to identify and evaluate beneficial variation. Working within a highly collaborative environment, the appointee will engage with the Plant Synthetic Biology Australia and Australian Plant Phenomics Network nodes, accessing advanced capabilities in synthetic biology, transformation, and phenomics. The position provides a unique opportunity to develop expertise at the interface of genome engineering, genetics, and crop improvement while contributing to high-impact research outcomes.

We are seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with a strong background in plant genetics, molecular biology, and preferably plant breeding or crop improvement. The successful candidate will have experience in molecular and genetic techniques and a strong interest in understanding how genome variation can be generated, characterised, and utilised in plants. They will be excited by the opportunity to combine molecular genetics with plant phenotyping and to work across disciplines spanning genome engineering, genetics, and breeding. The ideal candidate will be an independent and creative researcher who can drive projects forward while contributing effectively within collaborative teams. Strong communication skills, scientific curiosity, and a willingness to engage with researchers across synthetic biology, phenomics, and breeding are essential, with the expectation to drive projects to completion and publication in a high-impact journal. A demonstrated ability to learn new techniques, solve complex biological problems, and contribute to a positive research culture will be highly valued.

The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Physics, and Science Communication and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres. Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities.

To find out more about the Science at ANU community, follow us on social media at Instagram and Facebook.

For further information please contact Dr Allan Lohe, T: +61 2 6125 2672, E: allan.lohe@anu.edu.au

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details.

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents: a statement addressing the selection criteria, a current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form. Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position. Please note: The preferred candidate must have rights to live and work in Australia and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.