Level A ($75,888 to $106,040) per annum plus an employer contribution of up to 17% superannuation applies.Fixed-term position available for 36 months. Be part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space and contribute to world-leading research projects. This role will investigate the genetic and molecular basis for inflorescence, flower and seed development in aquatic plant species suited to growth in controlled environmental conditions.Working within a collaborative and dynamic team at the University of Adelaide and with other P4S partners, the successful candidate will identify and characterise key pathways that influence developmental transitions, and develop genetic and molecular strategies to alter these pathways in transient and stable experiments. New plant lines will be assessed for changes in growth rate, reproduction and composition, and compared to model species to assess conservation of function.The tasks of the Postdoctoral Researcher will include: Molecular and genetic analysis of meristem and seed developmentDevelopment of transient and stable genetic strategies to assess gene functionApplication of histological and/or morphometric methods to track changes in growth, development and composition Outputs will include: Genetic pathways influencing developmental transitions in aquatic plant speciesIdentification of molecular targets for manipulation of plant growth and composition A testable model for cell division and differentiation capacity in different organs This exciting role will contribute to ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space's goal to re-imagine plant design and bio-resource production to support long-term habitation in Space and solve sustainability challenges on Earth. To be successful you will need: 1. A completed or nearly completed PhD in Plant Sciences, Development, Molecular Biology, Plant Biochemistry or related subject.2. Demonstrated experience in a combination of genetic analysis, molecular biology, cell biology or confocal microscopy.3. Demonstrated understanding of plant development, shoot growth and/or reproduction.4. Fluency in written and spoken English, with an ability to communicate scientific ideas to an expert audience.5. A strong work ethic, and the ability to work well independently, and as a member of a broader team, including with industrial partners.6. Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. Desirable characteristics: Understanding of bioinformatics.Research experience in multiple model systems.Skills in morphometric modelling of sub-epidermal cell types. Enjoy an outstanding career environmentThe ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space is a >$90 million initiative led by the University of Adelaide with more than 35 partners across Australia and around the world. P4S aims to create on-demand, zero-waste, high efficiency plants and plant products to address grand challenges in sustainability for Space and on Earth. The multi-disciplinary team in plant, food, and sensory science; process and systems engineering; law and policy; and psychology will deliver transformative solution for Space habitation – and create enhanced plant-derived food and bioresources to capitalise upon emergent and rapidly expanding domestic and global markets. Anticipated outcomes include industry uptake of innovative plant forms, foods, technologies, and commodities; and an ambitious education and international co-ordination agenda to position Australia as a global leader in plant-based research supporting Space habitation. Find out more at The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life. Flexible working arrangements are on offer for all roles at the University.In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.
