Job Description The Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security emphasises that food security and human well-being depend on the health of our ecosystems.
Our researchers seek ways to improve the health of both natural and managed ecosystems with research that cuts across disciplines and creates an impact globally.
The Research Fellow will be responsible for contributing to a GRDC-funded project focusing on the genetic and sustainable management of Ascochyta blight in Chickpea (Phase 2).
Responsibilities include obtaining infected plant samples, curating an isolate collection and database, conducting pathology bioassays, extracting RNA and DNA for sequencing, and applying bioinformatic pipelines for genomic data analysis.
The role involves molecular and plant pathology experimental approaches, and the generation and analysis of next-generation sequencing data, to support research in identifying genetic and epigenetic drivers of pathogenicity in Ascochyta rabiei and developing molecular markers for diagnostic assays.
The Research Fellow will be responsible for Sourcing infected plant samples and Ascochyta rabiei isolates through collaboration with state pathologists, researchers, and industry, which will require occasional travel.
Isolating Ascochyta rabiei from infected material, maintaining cultures for experiments, archiving isolates for long-term storage and curating an isolate database.
Conducting molecular, pathology, and genomic experiments contributing to the research objectives of the Research Group.
Analysing, summarising, and visualising experimental and genomic datasets.
Contributing to milestone reports, scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, and related funding applications.
Attending and presenting scientific outputs at broader research program meetings, industry updates, and scientific conferences.
This is a fixed term (2.5 years), part-time (80%) position and will be primarily based at the Griffith University Nathan campus.
As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations.
Griffith University's campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.
Salary Range The full time equivalent base salary will be Research Fellow Grade 1 range $86,526 - $101,354 per annum + 17% superannuation.
The total FTE package will be in the range $101,236 - $118,585 per annum.
(The salary will be pro-rata for part time hours).
Qualifications To be successful in this role you will hold a PhD in a related field (e.g.
molecular biology, plant pathology or plant/pathogen genomics) or equivalent qualifications and work experience in a relevant field.
You will also have: Demonstrated experience working in a pathology lab using aseptic techniques, including isolation, single-sporing and culture of fungi from infected plant material, preparing media and inoculum and preparing samples for histology.
Ability to design and execute plant pathology bioassays in controlled environment including preparation of soil, plant husbandry, inoculation with pathogens and evaluation of disease symptoms.
Demonstrated experience working in a molecular laboratory including nucleic acid extraction, purification, quality assessment and amplification (using PCR, qPCR), cloning and library preparation for high-throughput sequencing (Illumina, Nanopore).
Possess high level data analysis and visualisation of experimental and genomic and statistical inference of results (preferably using R).
A good publication record in high impact, international, esteemed peer-reviewed journals, and an ability to seek competitive funding.
The ability to work independently as well as within a team, coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and willingness to engage with industry.
Additional Information Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture.
We offer: Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities How to apply At Griffith, we're committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you're from.
If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.
Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply.
For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page.
Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery.
For more information, please refer to Griffith's Modern Slavery Policy .
Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the qualifications above and the position description ) Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission) Applicants must have unrestricted working rights for the duration of the appointment.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
For further information specifically about this role, please contact Dr Ido Bar, Senior Research Fellow, Crop & Pathogen Genomics at ****** .
For application and recruitment advice, please contact Corinna Gartrell, Talent Acquisition Partner at ****** .
For application support, please contact People Services on +61 7 373 54011 and quote reference number REF6661J.
Closing date: Wednesday 8 January 2025 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.
Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.