- Full-time, fixed term opportunity until March 2027
- Exciting opportunity to be a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Soil Viromics
- Base Salary starting at $121,054 + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The School of Medical Sciences is recognised as one of the world's leading centres for medical science education and biomedical research. With over 100 years of excellence in education, we are proud to be training the next generation of scientists who will be leading members of the education and research community with an innovative integrated curriculum. Our team of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from molecules to medicines, from patient to policy across a range of areas.
The School of Medical Sciences is seeking a
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Soil Viromics who will apply and develop their expertise in conducting research to further the research agenda of Professor Edward C. Holmes FAA FRS. They will contribute to research efforts as part of an inter-disciplinary research team led by Professor Edward C. Holmes FAA FRS and through an understanding of the subject matter within the discipline.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
- conduct research, scholarly or professional activity, as part of a research team, contributing to knowledge in the area of soil viromics
- develop and refine independent research skills under the supervision of Professor Edward C. Holmes FAA FRS
- extract RNA from soil samples for metatranscriptomic sequencing
- perform metatranscriptomic sequencing of soil samples and downstream computational analysis to detect known and novel RNA viruses
- perform phylogenetic analysis and genomic characterisation of soil RNA viruses
- publish peer-reviewed scientific papers on soil viruses
- contribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence and achieving outcomes are valued and enabled
- understand and contribute to furthering the university and faculty/school strategic agenda.
About you
- a developing network of academic and professional partners and stakeholders
- possess a PhD degree in a relevant field
- demonstrated experience in the metatranscriptomic sequencing of soil samples and the identification of RNA viruses in soil
- demonstrated experience in the phylogenetic and genomic analyses of soil RNA viruses
- demonstrated experience, including relevant publications, in soil viromics
- experience conducting original research and/or engaging in scholarly activity demonstrated ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks in a busy environment
- ability to effectively communicate.
Sponsorship / work rights for
Australia
Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the
Apply button at the top of the page.
For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your
Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Ajaypal Singh, Recruitment Operations by email to ajaypal.singh@sydney.edu.au.
© The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for
this role.
Applications Close
Sunday 26 October 2025 11:59 PM