At a Glance
- Tasks: Engineer designer bacteriophages and collaborate on groundbreaking microbiome research.
- Company: Flinders University, a top-ranked institution focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture celebrating diversity and offering vibrant campus life.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team tackling antimicrobial resistance and advancing science.
- Qualifications: PhD progress in Microbial Genetics or related field; experience in molecular biology required.
The predicted salary is between 67500 - 82500 $ per year.
The Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration (FAME) is seeking a Research Associate in Synthetic Biology of Phages with expertise in bacterial genetics and molecular biology. This position will contribute to pioneering work in developing designer bacteriophages from metagenomic sequences, with the goal of combating antimicrobial resistance and advancing microbiome research.
The Research Associate will:
- Apply advanced molecular biology techniques (e.g., Gibson assembly, Golden Gate cloning, CRISPR-Cas) to engineer and manipulate bacteriophages.
- Collaborate with Chief Investigator, students, and research partners to design and deliver high-impact research outcomes.
- Contribute to publications, grant applications, and the development of new research collaborations at national and international levels.
About You
You are a motivated and innovative early career or emerging researcher with a background in microbial genetics, synthetic biology, or molecular microbiology. With strong technical and analytical expertise, you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of phage therapy and microbiome science.
As the successful candidate, you will demonstrate:
- Completion of, or significant progress towards, a PhD in Microbial Genetics, Synthetic Biology, or a related discipline.
- Proven experience in molecular cloning and genome editing tools, with desirable experience in phage biology.
- An emerging track record of research outputs.
About the Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration (FAME)
The Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration (FAME) is an exciting new research group at Flinders University, bringing together world-leading experts to push the boundaries of microbiome and metagenomics research. FAME works across disciplines to explore how microbial communities shape our world, offering hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and data analysis - an ideal environment for early-career researchers eager to make an impact.
Life at Flinders
We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.
Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them.
Prescribed Conditions for Employment
A valid National Police Certificate which is satisfactory to the University will also be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position.
How to Apply and Information
As well as a CV, you are required to submit a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the Key Position Capabilities of the position description. For more information regarding this position, we strongly encourage you to contact Professor Robert Edwards. Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACST) on Friday, 26 September 2025. Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.
At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Research Associate in Synthetic Biology of Phages in Adelaide employer: Flinders University
Flinders University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With flexible working arrangements, a commitment to diversity, and a vibrant campus life in Bedford Park, South Australia, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful initiatives that support students affected by gender-based violence.
