PRIMARY DETAIL
• Salary Package: From $106,089 (LEVEL A.6) to $141,790 (Level B) p.a. plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
• Appointment Type: Full-time, 2 years fixed term
• Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus (North Ryde)
The Role
The School of Natural Sciences is currently seeking a suitably qualified Research Fellow to join a multi-disciplinary team within the Australian Genome Foundry. This multifaceted role involves showcasing high-throughput biofoundry technology in the development of new genome engineering approaches and construction of synthetic chromosomes. The primary role of the position is to help coordinate and lead research in the Australian Genome Foundry alongside the Chief Scientist and Scientific Director.
The successful applicant will work with Dr Briardo Llorente and Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen to:
Develop novel genome engineering approaches
Build synthetic chromosomes
Establish and showcase cutting edge biofoundry workflows, including ultra-high-throughput screens for desired phenotypes
Co-supervise HDR students and work with biofoundry staff on the above areas of research
Initiate and maintain academic and industry collaborations, and apply for research funding
Communicate research findings in scientific journals and at conferences
About You
You will have completed a PhD in genome engineering, synthetic biology, or a closely related discipline. You will enjoy contributing to impactful research outcomes and working effectively as part of an international research team. Your collaborative approach to working with others will ensure you perform effectively within a multi-disciplinary environment. If you are an excellent communicator with a proactive nature and are flexible and resilient in your approach, then this is a role you will thrive in and a team you will enjoy working with.
About Us
Located at Macquarie University and within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Australian Genome Foundry is a high-throughput strain engineering facility with a highly automated workflow. This means rather than having a researcher building one strain at a time manually, the same researcher could build hundreds or thousands of strains in parallel using our robotic platforms. The Australian Genome Foundry is capable of synthesizing complete eukaryotic chromosomes and consists of modular robotic platforms capable of automated construction and analysis of synthetic microbial strains.
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How 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:
Selection Criteria:
PhD in genome engineering, synthetic biology, or related discipline Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively and work independently without close supervision Relevant experience with microbial strain engineering and evaluation, especially with yeast, plants, and bacteria
Ability to devise and implement synthetic biology approaches
Experienced at molecular and microbiology protocols
Desirable
Experience supervising higher degree research students
Understanding of standard flow cytometry procedures
Understanding of the fundamentals of biofoundry automation
Experience with plant research (genetic engineering, molecular biology, phenotype characterisation)
We welcome applications from international applicants.
*Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.*
Role Enquiries: Briardo Llorente, Chief Scientific Officer, Australian Genome Foundry via e-mail briardo.llorente@mq.edu.au
Applications Close: Tuesday 15th of July 2025 at 11:55pm AEST
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.
Applications Close:
15/07/2025 11:59 PM
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We do not discriminate on gender identity, age, culture, disability, sexuality, Indigeneity, family and caring responsibilities or religion. See our journey towards leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education.
Flexible Work
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