(HEO7) $101,785 - $113,839 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fulltime, fixed term position, available until end of June 2028.

Be part of an exciting new chapter in Australian science by joining the Plant Synthetic Biology Australia (PSBA) network as we launch the Adelaide node, establishing plant synthetic biology services across agricultural crops and model plant systems.

As a Transformation Specialist, you'll play a key role in delivering high-quality transformation services for major crop species. Based primarily in the lab focusing on tissue culture, you’ll also support plant care of species grown in growth facilities at our Waite Campus.

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SET) holds an outstanding reputation for teaching, research, and quality graduates. Comprised of eight schools, 21 centres and five institutes, the Faculty of SET is responsible for teaching over 8,500 students across our three campuses, North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy, and has an annual budget of $300 million.

Plant Synthetic Biology Australia (PSBA) consists of a network of national facilities with nodes at Adelaide University, Australian National University, La Trobe University and University of Western Australia. PSBA provides plant synthetic biology infrastructure and expertise to drive accelerated gains in agricultural productivity, and development of new products through environmentally sustainable bio-manufacturing. The Adelaide node of PSBA enables plant synthetic biology services for agricultural crops, as well as for synthetic biology projects in ‘model’ plants. It provides infrastructure and expertise for research providers, government and industry institutions as fee-for-service as well as providing incubation space for the start-up community and opportunities to collaborate.

The Transformation Specialist will deliver specialist services as part of the Plant Transformation Team. The role will be responsible for the transformation of key crop species that align with PSBA’s service offerings and will operate with a degree of autonomy. This is primarily a laboratory-based role focussed on tissue culture, but there will occasionally be a need to handle plants grown in growth facilities on the Waite Campus. The Transformation Specialist will also utilise molecular biology techniques used in plant synthetic biology experiments. You will assist with implementation and streamlining organisational processes and will liaise with all PSBA AU staff to make sure the facilities run efficiently, and ensure staff and students adopt a community of practise for facility operations.

To be successful you will need:

• Exceptional knowledge of plant tissue culture procedures.
• Experience in working with plant species recalcitrant to transformation.
• Experience in plant transformation processes.
• Previous experience working in a PC2 facility.
• Ability to build effective and constructive relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders through the provision of technical support.
• Capacity to work independently but support team goals.
• Completion of a degree (in Science), and an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training (in a plant tissue culture laboratory).

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

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 a 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 division'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

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as outlined in the position description.

Applications close 11:55pm, 13 August 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:

Andrew Jacobs
Business Manager | PSBA-AU
E: andrew.jacobs@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

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