The University of Western Australia (UWA) is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Research Technician to join the Synthetic Microbiology Laboratory within the School of Molecular Sciences. This full-time, fixed-term position offers the opportunity to support high-impact research in synthetic microbiology and bioprocessing, focusing on engineering fast-growing microbial systems for sustainable biomanufacturing. The laboratory is internationally recognised and operates at the interface of fundamental biology, applied biotechnology, and industry-connected research, utilising state-of-the-art facilities including advanced microbial cultivation systems, automation platforms, and translational research programs. As a Senior Research Technician, you will coordinate and optimise laboratory, fermentation, and bioprocess activities, contributing directly to experimental execution, data quality, and reproducibility. You will work closely with academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, and postgraduate students in a collaborative environment. The role provides hands-on experience with advanced microbial cultivation and automation platforms, supporting research into high-performance microbial systems, including some of the fastest-growing bacteria on the planet. Applicants should hold a qualification in biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, chemical engineering, or a related discipline, or possess equivalent relevant laboratory experience. Practical experience in microbiology and/or molecular biology techniques is required, along with a willingness to develop expertise in bioreactor and fermentation systems. Candidates must be highly organised, detail-focused, and comfortable managing routine laboratory tasks, equipment, documentation, and consumables. A strong understanding of good laboratory practice and safety requirements is essential, as is the ability to work effectively as part of a research team and provide technical support to researchers and students. The position offers a base salary range of $95,231 – $100,643 per annum plus 17% superannuation, with additional benefits such as flexible working options, paid parental leave, annual leave, long service leave, salary packaging, discounted UWA courses, health insurance, and on-campus childcare. The role is based in Perth, Western Australia, and is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia. To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, ensuring your Resume and Cover Letter address the selection criteria. For further information, contact Associate Professor Georg Fritz at [email protected]. The application deadline is 2 March 2026.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bioprocess Engineering to join the Synthetic Microbiology Laboratory within the School of Molecular Sciences. This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of synthetic biology and sustainable biomanufacturing, focusing on engineering ultra-fast microbial chassis such as Vibrio natriegens for the production of high-value polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from sugarcane-derived feedstocks. The research aims to develop scalable, low-carbon alternatives to petroleum-based plastics through advanced strain engineering, fermentation, and bioprocess optimization. The successful candidate will be involved in high-cell-density and fed-batch cultivation, media and feeding strategy optimization, process robustness, scale-down and early scale-up modeling, and integration of strain performance with sustainability and techno-economic constraints. The role includes close collaboration with strain engineers, students, and industry partners, contributing to high-impact publications, student supervision, and future funding proposals. Applicants should have a degree or equivalent experience in bioprocess engineering, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or a related field, with hands-on experience in microbial fermentation and bioprocess development. Strong analytical skills, familiarity with HPLC/GC/LC-MS, and experience with scale-up/scale-down approaches are required. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities are essential. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia are eligible. The position is full-time and fixed-term for 2 years, offering a base salary of $112,371 per annum plus 17% superannuation, flexible working options, generous leave, salary packaging, discounted course fees, and health insurance. Applications close on 2 March 2026. For more information, contact Associate Professor Georg Fritz at [email protected]. Apply online via the UWA jobs portal and address the selection criteria in your submission.