Research Associate

Job No: 540505. Work type: Full Time. Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia. Fixed Term – to 1st July 2027. Part‑time (31.5 hours per week). Salary: $113k - $121k plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.

Categories: Post Doctoral Research Associate.

• Conduct independent or team research to enhance the quality of research outcomes.
• Enable research teams to produce scholarly output recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research projects under guidance of a research leader.
• Perform discipline‑appropriate activities (surveys, literature reviews, data gathering, recording of results) using suitable research methods.
• Participate in and present at conferences and workshops relevant to the project.
• Assist with supervision of research students where required.
• Research metabolic modelling of microorganisms and communities.
• Develop analysis pipelines and strategies for microbiome information, including high‑throughput sequencing data.
• Design and execute targeted microbial cultivation using –omics and model data.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and values, and cooperate with health and safety policies.

• A PhD in microbiology and/or bioinformatics.
• High‑level expertise in metabolic modelling using multi‑omics data (essential).
• Advanced understanding of microbial physiology and biochemistry (essential).
• Proven ability to develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines (essential).
• Laboratory skills in microbiology and/or molecular biology, including sterile techniques, PCR, sequencing, flow cytometry and/or microscopy (desirable).
• Commitment to staying updated with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated high‑quality academic research and independent research with limited supervision.
• Track record of publications and conference presentations.
• Teamwork, collaboration across disciplines, and effective relationship building.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Effective communication with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• Commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to training.

Torsten Thomas
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Applications close: 10 Jun 2026.

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no‑one is disadvantaged on the basis of gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity, or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply. UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).