Full-Time, Fixed-Term Position for 2 Years | Based at Western's Hawkesbury Campus
- $109,861 to $132,730 p.a. Inclusive of Superannuation + Leave Loading
- Do you want to be part of a cutting-edge research team that is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture?
- **Full-Time, Fixed-Term Position for 2 Years**:
- ** Based at Western's Hawkesbury Campus**:
- ** $109,861 to $132,730 p.a. Inclusive of Superannuation + Leave Loading**
**About Us**
Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led university, located in the heart of Australia's fastest-growing, economically significant region. The University has 11 campuses in Sydney, as well as campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Surabaya, Indonesia, with plans for two campuses in India. With over 200,000 alumni, almost 50,000 students, and approximately 3,500 staff, the University promotes a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative culture focused on research and dedicated to student-centered excellence.
Western's Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a premier research institute conducting fundamental and applied research in plant biology, genetics, physiology, horticulture, agricultural ecology, and global change biology. Within the past decade, the Institute has become a world-leading centre of excellence in the environmental responses to climate change and ecosystem function. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, the Institute collaborates widely with Australian and international institutions to craft scientific research of the highest calibre.
**The Opportunity**
Are you passionate about plant molecular biology and crop genomics? Do you want to be part of a cutting-edge research team that is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture? The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment is seeking a dedicated and innovative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the team.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plant Molecular Biology and Mango Crop Genomics will join a vibrant multi-disciplinary research team led by Associate Professor Chris Cazzonelli and supported by a Hort Innovation to investigate the project entitled "Genetics for next generation orchards". The project will utilise approaches in genomics, genetic manipulation of plants, plant molecular biology, cellular biochemistry, and bioinformatics. Your research will generate new knowledge on traits such as modulating flowering, bud dormancy, tree architecture, nut quality, fruit colour, and their interactions with the environment.
In this role you will conduct original research to advance gene annotations, characterise gene functions, and decipher regulatory mechanisms in almond and mango crops. You will collaborate with breeders and academic institutions to develop molecular markers and precision breeding techniques, to accelerate the development of new cultivars and sustainable growing practices, ushering in a new era of efficiency and innovation in tree crop orchard systems. The Research Fellow will communicate research findings at scientific meetings and publish in high-impact journals as well as providing research updates to funders, breeders, growers, and other stakeholders. You will have a tailored career mentoring plan with an opportunity to contribute to teaching and co-supervisor of students.
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 2 years predominantly based at Western's Hawkesbury Campus (Richmond, New South Wales). Travel to other locations for periods of research collaboration at QUT, UQ, MU, QDAF, UoA or with a strategic partner will be required.
Please review the position description for further information.
**About You**
Your background includes a Ph.D. degree or equivalent professional experience in a research field related to molecular plant molecular biology, genetics, genomics and/or biochemistry. You have expertise in plant genomics, genetic manipulation, molecular biology, cellular biochemistry, tissue culture, and bioinformatics. You are skilled in metabolome, transcriptome, methylome, and epigenomic analyses metabolite extractions to statistical and graphic data output. You're adept at managing data and ensuring reproducible research with strong statistical foundations and have the ability to prepare milestone reports and write manuscripts for publication.
**Why Join Us?**
We offer a supportive and forward-thinking environment where your expertise is valued, and your contributions will make a difference! Joining our team comes with a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and professional growth:
- **Collaborative Environment**:Join an interdisciplinary and multi-institutional team where you will work alongside leading experts in the field.
- ** Professional Development**: Access to tailored career mentoring, networking and development opportunities.
- ** Impactful Research**: Engage in ground breaking research projects with access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
- ** Healt