Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Plant Phenotyping & Physiology – Western Sydney University – Australia
Quick Overview
Applications are open for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment. This 3-year role focuses on applying physiology and phenotyping tools to identify traits that lift yield and resilience in protected horticulture crops. You’ll work within the Industrial Training Centre for Smart and Sustainable Horticulture (SaSH), helping generate and adapt high-value horticultural crops to thrive in protected production systems.
Experience Level: PhD in Plant Biology or equivalent
Best Fit: Candidates with expertise in photosynthesis, phenotyping, and horticultural crop biochemistry
Deadline: August 19, 2026
Key Details
| Position | Postdoctoral Research Fellow |
| Project | Smart and Sustainable Horticulture (SaSH) – Plant phenotyping and physiology |
| Location | Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Australia |
| Qualification | PhD in Plant Biology or equivalent |
| Salary | Academic Level A: $97,153 – $117,376 per annum + 17% Super |
| Duration | 3 years (full-time, fixed-term) |
| Deadline | August 19, 2026 |
| Reference | REF1453Y |
| Apply Via | Western Sydney University online recruitment system |
| Contact | Professor Oula Ghannoum – O.Ghannoum@westernsydney.edu.au |
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Opportunity Overview
This Postdoctoral Research Fellow position offers the opportunity to conduct research within the Industrial Training Centre for Smart and Sustainable Horticulture (SaSH), helping generate and adapt high-value horticultural crops to thrive in protected production systems. Working from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, you will focus on improving productivity in high- and medium-technology growth facilities by linking plant physiology, phenotyping, and applied outcomes for industry.
You will develop and refine phenotyping methods that support selection of elite germplasm and translate findings into practical grower guidelines, integrating plant phenotyping platforms to monitor growth, yield, and disease resilience, and performing physiological and biochemical screening to validate technologies.
What You’ll Actually Be Doing
- Deliver original research outcomes supporting crop adaptation to protected settings
- Develop fit-for-purpose phenotyping methods and grower guidelines for industry use
- Integrate phenotyping platforms to reliably monitor growth, yield, and resilience traits
- Publish and present high-quality outputs, including reports for industry stakeholders
- Maintain compliant research data management and contribute to grants and mentoring
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Research Environment
You’ll work as part of an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional project team with national and international collaborators and commercial partners. The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment provides access to world-class research facilities and a dynamic research environment.
Who Should Apply
This position is best for candidates with a PhD in Plant Biology or equivalent experience.
Strong candidates will have:
- Expertise in photosynthesis, phenotyping, and horticultural crop biochemistry
- Hands-on experience measuring and analysing photosynthesis (gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, hyperspectral reflectance)
- Confidence using plant phenotyping platforms to assess growth and yield
- Strong capability in plant biochemistry (enzymes, metabolites, gene expression)
- Clear communication and strong organisational skills
- Comfortable engaging with industry partners and mentoring research students
Skills That Will Help You Stand Out
| Skill | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Photosynthesis measurement | Gas exchange, fluorescence, reflectance |
| Plant phenotyping | Growth and yield assessment |
| Plant biochemistry | Enzymes, metabolites, gene expression |
| Horticultural crops | Protected production systems |
| Industry engagement | Translating research to practice |
| Mentoring | Research students |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $97,153 – $117,376 + 17% Super |
| Duration | 3 years (full-time, fixed-term) |
| Location | Hawkesbury Campus, Australia |
| Flexible Working | Available |
| Visa Sponsorship | Provided if required |
| Health | Employee Assistance Program, flu vaccination, Fitness Passport |
| Childcare | Onsite at multiple campuses |
| Financial | Salary sacrifice, novated leasing |
Application Tips
- Highlight photosynthesis expertise – Gas exchange, fluorescence, reflectance.
- Show phenotyping experience – Plant phenotyping platforms.
- Demonstrate biochemical skills – Enzymes, metabolites, gene expression.
- Emphasize industry engagement – Translating research to practice.
- Apply online only – Through the University’s recruitment system.
- Address screening questions – As part of the online application.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the Western Sydney University online recruitment system.
As part of your application, respond to screening questions addressing key qualifications, experiences, and skills required.
Position Enquiries: Professor Oula Ghannoum – O.Ghannoum@westernsydney.edu.au
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is visa sponsorship available? Yes, employer visa sponsorship will be provided if required.
- What is the salary? Academic Level A: $97,153 – $117,376 per annum + 17% Super.
- What is the duration? 3 years (full-time, fixed-term).
- What is the location? Hawkesbury Campus with flexible working arrangements.
