ABOUT THE ROLE
Research Fellow – Bioinformatics
SECTOR: Pathology
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Contract
LOCATION: Brisbane
• Enhance your skills in Bioinformatics and Biotechnology
• Acacia Ridge location (Brisbane)
• 2-Year Fixed term role
This role and research project aims to identify genes for resistance to soil borne pathogens with the ultimate goal of developing advanced tools to help conventional screening for soil-borne diseases and advance the development of resistant varieties. This project will utilise advance genomics methods specifically the cutting-edge technology spatial RNA-seq. With the goal of identifying novel expressed genes within specific root cells which encode disease resistance and developing molecular markers for selection of improved resistance. This project lays the groundwork for improving resistance in the sugarcane breeding program, crucial to accelerate the development of resistant varieties to manage parasitic pathogens, ensuring sustainability of the Australian sugarcane industry.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities Include:
• Conduct research in Pathology including Disease screening, and microscopy of sugarcane roots.
• Develop transcriptomic experiments designed for spatial RNA-seq on sugarcane roots.
• Provide expertise in sequencing technology and bioinformatics to reinforce the project’s capabilities.
• Conduct and contribute to the writing up of research findings for dissemination of high quality and/or high impact research as a member of a team or independently and produce conference/seminar papers/publications/ reports from that research.
• Demonstrates commitment to fostering the continuous development of a safer, healthier and more sustainable workplace at SRA, in a way that would be expected for this position.
• Own your professional growth by engaging in development opportunities which enhance your skills and career.
• Any other duties as required from time to time.
YOUR REQUIREMENTS
You will bring with you the following qualifications, capabilities and experience:
Essential
• PhD in Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related field.
• Strong experience in RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and other high-throughput transcriptomic approaches.
• Proficiency in computational analyses of large data sets such as transcriptomic data and demonstration of some expertise using R, Python, or Linux-based pipelines.
• Ability to schedule work, record results in a clear, logical manner and organized, manner to maintain an effective working environment.
• As the project involves field trials, experience in phenotyping and integrating transcriptomics with agronomic traits is useful.
Desirable
• Demonstrated experience in Bioinformatics.
• Experience in biological, molecular, life sciences with proficiency and expertise in plant molecular & cell biology.
• Experience in Pathology.
• A strong track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals related to plant computational biology.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team with molecular biologists and pathologists.
• Strong communication skills for presenting findings at conferences and workshops.
• Experience in Phenotyping or allied field, or equivalent professional experience.
• A current driver’s licence is required to drive SRA vehicles.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please note this is a Fixed term role for 2 years.
For further information, please refer to the Position Description in the link below.
If your capabilities and experience meet the requirements of the role and you would like to be part of our dedicated team, please click ‘Apply’ to submit your application no later than Friday 14 August 2026. Your application should include your resume and address the requirements of the position.
Applicants must have the right to work in Australia in order to apply. A working-holiday visa is not suitable due to the restriction of no more than 6 months’ work with any one employer and sponsorship is not available. The successful applicant will also be required to undertake a medical screening and a police check.
