• Salary Package: $112,550 (LEVEL A.6) p.a. plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading -Appointment Type: Full-time, 2 years fixed term
• Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus (North Ryde)

Nutrient uptake pathways in cyanobacteria are poorly understood, yet they are critical for understanding ocean carbon cycling and for harnessing cyanobacteria in biomanufacturing. The Macquarie University, School of Natural Sciences, is currently seeking a suitably qualified Research Fellow to join a multi-disciplinary team working to decode cyanobacterial nutrient uptake systems in collaboration with the University of Queensland, the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. This work, supported by an ARC Discovery Project, integrates protein biochemistry, physiological characterisation, cyanobacterial genetic engineering, high‑throughput functional genomics, transcriptomics and stable isotope‑resolved metabolomics.

The successful applicant will work with Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, Professor Esteban Marcellin, Dr Bhumika Shah and Dr Alescia Cullen to:

• Construct a cyanobacterial deletion mutant library of nutrient uptake genes using biofoundry automation
• Compare the growth and physiology of wildtype strains and mutants
• Utilise functional genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics to resolve metabolic pathways and regulatory networks
• Provide day‑to‑day support to HDR students and collaborate closely with chief investigators to ensure the timely delivery of the project milestones
• Initiate and maintain academic and industry collaborations, and apply for research funding
• Communicate research findings in scientific journals and at conferences

About You

You will have completed a PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, synthetic biology, systems biology or a closely related discipline. You will enjoy contributing to impactful research outcomes and communicating research findings to a wide range of audiences. You have strong organisational skills and a collaborative mindset, and you are interested in mentoring junior researchers. If you enjoy working across diverse fields of research, then this is a role you will thrive in and a team you will enjoy working with.

How To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online by submitting your CV and a separate cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the following selection criteria:

Selection Criteria:

Essential

1. PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology, microbiology, synthetic biology, systems biology or a closely related discipline.
2. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
3. Ability to work collaboratively and work independently without close supervision
4. Experience with bacterial genetic engineering and transcriptomics or metabolomics

Desirable

• Experience with growing cyanobacteria and their physiological characterisation (flow cytometry or photosynthetic efficiency)
• Understanding of the fundamentals of biofoundry automation

We invite applications from international candidates.

This role will require a police/criminal history check.

*Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.*

Role Enquiries: Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, via e-mail ian••••••••@mq.edu.au

Applications Close: Wednesday 8th of July 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST)

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage our personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub.