(HEO5) $82,922 - $92,203 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, full time position for 34 Months available immediately!

Working under general direction, the Laboratory Technician will support the Plant Synthetic Biology Australia (PSBA) technical team through provision of technical services that align with PSBA’s service offerings. This will largely be a laboratory-based role focused on aspects of molecular biology but there will be a need to handle plants grown in growth facilities on the Waite Campus from time to time. The role will also assist with tissue culture techniques used in plant synthetic biology experiments.

The position will assist with implementation and streamlining organisational processes and will liaise with all PSBA AU staff to make sure the facilities run efficiently. There is an expectation that the role will support other PSBA staff through engagement in experimental work beyond molecular biology from time to time and through contributing to strategic projects within the organisation.

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

To be successful you will need:

• 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
• Ability to build effective and constructive relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders through the provision of technical support
• Working knowledge of plant molecular biology techniques
  
  
• Previous experience working in a PC2 facility
  
  
• Desirable- An understanding of gene editing and plant transformation processes
  
  
• Completion of a degree (in Science) without subsequent relevant work experience or completion of an advanced diploma qualification (in Laboratory Technology) and at least one (1) year’s subsequent relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

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 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 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

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a resume, as well as a cover letter addressing your suitability and experience for the position, referring to the selection criteria, in no more than 2 pages.

Applications close 11:55pm, 22 September 2025

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 below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified

The University is 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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