This position will be funded by an Australian Research Council Grant entitled “Pelagic Symbioses: teasing apart phytoplankton-bacteria relationships“, which comprises a team of researchers based at UTS, New York University and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. This project aims to decode the intricate relationships between populations of phytoplankton and marine bacteria and interpret their influence on ocean productivity and chemical cycling. This project is anticipated to provide transformative perspectives on the basal controls of ocean function, aiding management of Australia’s valuable marine estate.

UTS is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to provide specialised skills in molecular microbial ecology to drive and support the research associated with this recently funded project.  You will utilise your expertise in microbial ecology and molecular biology to support shipboard and laboratory based experiments to contribute to the goals of the project, while functioning as a pivotal research member of the Ocean Microbiology Group

Ideal candidate

• A PhD in molecular microbial ecology, microbial oceanography or equivalent
• Extensive conceptual and hands-on knowledge of molecular microbiological techniques and bioinformatics, with particular experience in metatranscriptomics and amplicon sequencing approaches
• Substantial experience in basic microbiological approaches, including isolation and culture of phytoplankton and bacteria
• Quantitative skills and excellent capacity for analysing, interpreting and integrating complex data-sets
• Knowledge of PC2 laboratory regulations and requirements
• Experience and success in conducting experimental research and publishing research as a first-author.

Remuneration & Benefits

Base Salary Range: $86,086 to $92, 406p.a. (academic Level A)

This role attracts 17% superannuation in addition to the base salary. This position is full-time and appointment will be made on a fixed term basis for 2.5 years.