Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Research Field Biological sciences Chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country Australia Application Deadline 21 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
* Full time, 2 years fixed term, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Chemistry
* Opportunity to drive a high-impact research program on engineering carbon fixation in cyanobacteria
* Base Salary, Academic level A, $113,400 - $116,916 + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The School of Chemistry is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cyanobacterial Synthetic Biology who will work with the research group of Associate Professor Yu Heng Lau on engineering carbon fixation to enhance the growth of photosynthetic organisms.
This project is funded by an ARC Discovery Project 2026, where the research associate will focus on engineering encapsulin protein cages in cyanobacteria, with optimal carbon fixing designs to be implemented in plants through collaboration with Professor Spencer Whitney at the Australian National University. The ultimate goal of this research program is to generate crops that are more resilient and resource-efficient, leading to increased agricultural productivity.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
* drive a high-impact flagship research project on engineered carbon fixation, including cyanobacterial engineering, molecular cloning and library design, growth and enzymatic assays, protein cage design and engineering, protein purification, and biochemical analyses
* assist with supervision of junior research students, including laboratory supervision, project design, skill development, and career mentorship
* communicate and support research through writing of manuscripts, grant applications and conference presentations
* help manage ongoing academic collaborations
* coordinate laboratory administrative tasks, including equipment maintenance and lab organisation.
The School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney is a leading Chemistry department in the country, with outstanding staff and students undertaking world‑leading teaching and research. The School has more than 30 academic staff, 100 research staff, and 100 research students that conduct research across the full spectrum of pure and applied chemistry, including chemical and synthetic biology.
About you
The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cyanobacterial Synthetic Biology who has:
* a PhD in Synthetic Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or closely‑related discipline
* expertise in culturing and engineering cyanobacteria, or related microbiological experience
* experience in molecular biology or genetic engineering techniques
* ability to learn how to conduct protein purification and characterisation
* ability to operate and maintain biological equipment (e.g. FPLC, incushakers)
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre‑employment or background checks in manner 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 step, including the termination of your employment.
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