Last Date: 24th September 2023.
- $77,746 – $85,046 (G05) per annum (pro rata) + 17% Superannuation
- Full time (or part time considered) fixed term until 25 Oct 2024
- Commencing immediately
Job Reference: 1119450
Who are we?
The Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) at Curtin University works closely with the grains industry to reduce the $1 billion per year burden of crop disease for Australian farmers. For almost 10 years our research discoveries have improved the genetic resistance of wheat, barley, canola and pulses providing enduring solutions for growers dealing with disease epidemics. With a large team of more than 70 research staff focused on molecular plant pathology, fungicide resistance and agronomy, CCDM’s multidisciplinary approach uniquely allows us to deliver solutions more effectively than would be possible with research focused in one area.
Our Cereal Diseases team, in particular, works to improve the genetic resistance of barley and wheat through projects funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Necrotrophic fungal pathogens are among the most important diseases affecting Australian cereal production, resulting in around 20 percent yield loss in unprotected crops. As such, we work to discover different virulence genes and corresponding host susceptibility or resistance genes that are then passed onto breeding companies to breed resistant varieties. We’re proud to say our discoveries so far have saved farmers hundreds of millions of dollars.
What would you do in this role?
This position will investigate novel sources of genetic resistance, seek to isolate the genes responsible, and research underlying mechanisms governing the host-pathogen interactions. You will work independently and under the leadership of senior researchers in the Cereals Group and undertake a variety of research support tasks which may include a mix of administrative, experimental and technical duties.
In this role, you will carry out experiments in molecular biology and microbiology/mycology (such as DNA extractions, sequencing, PCR, cloning, isolation and maintenance of fungal cultures) as well as in plant pathology and crop protection (plant infections, pathogenicity assays, glasshouse and field work). Supporting a broad scientific team including plant geneticists, molecular biologists and plant pathologists, and performing general laboratory maintenance will make up a large part of your day-to-day activities, as well as supporting students in basic laboratory techniques.
In this role, you can expect many opportunities for professional development, with one of our Centre’s three objectives revolving around improving human capacity to meet the requirements of the agriculture industry.
If you want to make an important difference in your work and, in this case, help produce more food for the future, then this role is for you.
You will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role.
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Dr Fatima Naim, Research Fellow, School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS) via [email protected].
About us
We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, and endless food options including a supermarket.
We encourage a progressive and diverse workplace, offering generous superannuation and salary packaging benefits. We are committed to looking after our employees by promoting health and wellbeing, work flexibility, and personal development opportunities.
For more information about our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au
Join us!
Please provide a cover letter, your CV and a separate document addressing the selection criteria (noted below) to allow us to assess your suitability for this role.
Essential criteria:
- Applicants must hold a degree in a degree in a relevant discipline such as molecular biology, plant pathology, or genetics or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
- Demonstrated experience in aseptic and microbiology techniques and/or DNA extraction, PCR and DNA sequencing.
- Demonstrated experience working in a laboratory environment.
- Demonstrated experience working in the glasshouse or plant growth chamber facility.
- Demonstrated organisational and administrative skills with the ability to prioritise tasks.
- Demonstrated well-developed numeracy and validation skills and a methodical approach to tasks, including handling large data sets.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in both written and oral communication skills demonstrating appropriate confidentiality and cross-cultural sensitivity.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously as well as effectively as part of a team.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience growing plants and working with fungal pathogens is desirable.
- Experience with quarantine or PC2 organisms is desirable.
To view a copy of the generic position description, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser.
https://cloudstor.aarnet.edu.au/plus/s/Q26hubUsuQbaxWb
Applications close: 3pm Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) Sunday 24th September 2023.
Applicants should note that prior to appointment, any offer of employment is subject to completion of National Police Records checks, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction. At Curtin, we are committed to being a Child Safe organisation and this position may also require you to have a current Working With Children Check.
If you have any queries in relation to this application process, please contact our careers team on 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1) and quote the Job Reference.
Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.
