* Salary package: $78,954 to $$85,095 (HEW 4) plus 17% employer's superannuation contribution and annual leave loading.
* Full-time, fixed term role for 2.5 years
* Based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
The Role
An exciting opportunity exists for a research assistant to join a dynamic Applied BioSciences research team pioneering insect synthetic biology.
Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens, BSF) are increasingly used to manage organic waste on large scales. A/Prof Maciej Maselko's research group is developing BSF into a synthetic biology platform capable of improved waste management and biomanufacturing a wide variety of industrial products.
The selected applicant will work as part of an interdisciplinary team of synthetic biologists, entomologists, and biochemists to engineer and evaluate the performance of transgenic BSF.
About You
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about insect synthetic biology and developing the next generation of sustainable biomanufacturing. You will be expected to assist in a variety of molecular biology and entomology tasks ranging from molecular cloning to insect husbandry and microinjection.
The successful candidate for this position will hold an undergraduate bachelors degree in biological sciences or a related field.
About Us
Applied BioSciences at Macquarie University is a vibrant and collegial community of researchers and students working across a wide range of biological disciplines. We are a leading research department, conducting research at all levels of biological organisation as well as across a diversity of taxa, with a focus on translational research that applied basic knowledge to develop solutions to major regional, national and global challenges. Our areas of research strengths include biosecurity, sustainable pest management, genetic biocontrol, genomic biotechnology, applied molecular genetics, and applied chemical ecology.
This project is funded by the Solving Plastic Waste CRC (SPW CRC) to work develop synthetic biology technology to degrade plastic in the environment.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to interact with other researchers within the Solving Plastic Waste CRC, to develop diverse research expertise, and to pursue broader personal and professional development through industry interaction, publications and student supervision.
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:
* A tertiary degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, entomology, or a related field is essential.
* Experience with insect embryo microinjection is desirable.
* Experience with molecular cloning, PCR, and other standard molecular biology methods is desirable.
* Experience maintaining insect colonies is desirable.
Applicants must have Valid Australian Working rights.
Role-specific Enquiries
Please contact Associate Professor Maciej Maselko () if you have any questions about the role. More information about the lab group can be .
Applications Close: Monday 16th of March at 11:59pm (AEST)
*** Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.
Why work at Macquarie
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.
Our prime location, we are walking distance from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Not only are we close, take a look at our benefits on offer:
* 17% Superannuation
* Subsidised onsite parking options
* Flexible working options
* Training and professional development
* Discounted health insurance (Medibank)
* Employee Assistance Program
* Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.
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