Research Assistant
HEO5 ($80,118-$89,085) | Full-Time
24 months Fixed-term Contract
Help contribute to cutting-edge sustainability research for space and Earth
We’re seeking a Research Assistant to join the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S)—a global initiative revolutionising how we grow food and use plants in challenging environments.
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S) is a world-leading research initiative led by the University of Adelaide. With more than $90 million in funding and over 35 global partners, P4S is revolutionising how we grow plants in extreme environments—from deep space to Earth’s most challenging conditions. Through cutting-edge research in crop design, biomanufacturing, and sustainable agriculture, P4S is developing high-efficiency, zero-waste plant systems to support long-duration space missions and future food systems on Earth. As part of this pioneering Centre, you’ll be contributing to transformative science with real-world and interplanetary impact. As a Research Assistant, you’ll play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of high-performance plant molecular biology laboratories. You’ll be the go-to person for lab coordination, safety compliance, and stock management, while also assisting with experimental procedures and data analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain lab equipment, stocks, safety protocols, and cleanliness
- Induct and support staff and students in lab safety and procedures
- Conduct and support molecular biology experiments (e.g. DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, microscopy)
- Collaborate with postdocs, students, and visiting researchers
- Support a strong lab culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
About You
You are an organised and proactive individual with a background in biological sciences and a passion for plant research. You bring hands-on experience in molecular biology or plant physiology, and you’re comfortable working in a research laboratory environment. You take pride in maintaining safe, efficient lab spaces and are confident managing equipment, stock systems, and compliance protocols. You communicate clearly, work collaboratively, and enjoy supporting students and researchers in achieving high-quality experimental outcomes. Above all, you’re driven by curiosity and excited to contribute to impactful science that addresses sustainability challenges on Earth and beyond.
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated ability to promote the organisational values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery, and a commitment to positively comply with the associated behaviour expectations.
- Knowledge of plant molecular biology and/or plant physiology
- Working knowledge of running a biological sciences research laboratory
- Proven experimental skills in plant science related to molecular biology and/or physiology
- Familiarity with safety and other statutory compliance issues in a laboratory environment
- Demonstrated good communication skills both oral and written.
- Previous experience working with plants, with good working knowledge of biosecurity and other statutory requirements.
Qualifications:
Honours degree or equivalent in Biological Sciences.
The path to Adelaide University
We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.
Enjoy an outstanding career environment
We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - 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 Staff Values and Behaviour Framework 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.
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.
Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs
Your faculty's broader role
The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance.
Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au
How to Apply
Please ensure you submit a resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.
***Applications close 11:55pm, Monday 26th May 2025***
The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
For further information
For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:
Dr Rebecca Vandeleur
Node Coordinator | ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space
rebecca.coleman@adelaide.edu.au
Download the Position Description Apply now
