Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Oat Rust Genetics – University of Sydney, Australia
Quick Overview
The University of Sydney is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an externally funded research program focused on oat crown rust under a new ARC Linkage Project. This role involves identifying and characterising genetic sources of crown rust resistance in oat germplasm, generating high-quality phenotypic and genotypic datasets, and collaborating with research partners including Murdoch University, IPK Germany, AGF Seeds, Agrifutures, and Diversity Arrays.
Key Details
| Position | Postdoctoral Research Associate |
| Project | Oat Crown Rust Genetics (ARC Linkage Project) |
| Institution | University of Sydney |
| Location | Camden Campus, Australia |
| Qualification | PhD in Plant Genetics/Genomics, Molecular Biology/Genomics, or Agricultural Science |
| Salary | $117,936 – $125,896 + 17% superannuation |
| Duration | Fixed-term until June 30, 2030 |
| Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Apply Via | University of Sydney application portal |
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake research to identify and characterise genetic sources of crown rust resistance in oat germplasm
- Generate high-quality greenhouse and field phenotypic and genotypic datasets
- Analyse genetic and disease-screening data using quantitative-genetic, statistical, and genomic approaches
- Deliver research outcomes and milestones in accordance with the ARC Linkage project plan
- Plan and undertake controlled-environment and field-based experiments
- Apply established disease-screening protocols for crown rust resistance
- Work collaboratively with Chief Investigators, researchers, breeding organisations, industry partners, and ARC Linkage collaborators
Qualifications
Required:
- Completed PhD in Plant Genetics/Genomics, Molecular Biology/Genomics, Agricultural Science, or related field
- Experience in recombinant DNA technologies (primer design, cloning)
- Knowledge and experience in bioinformatics (BLAST, SNP calling, GWAS)
- Experience in hybridising plants, pre-breeding, and scoring disease responses in greenhouse and field
- Postdoctoral experience with publications in ISI-ranked peer-reviewed journals
- Experience handling plant pathogens, especially biotrophs
- Experience in cereal pathology and/or genetics
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $117,936 – $125,896 + 17% superannuation |
| Duration | Fixed-term until June 30, 2030 |
| Location | Camden Campus, Australia |
| Research Environment | Established research program on oat rust since 1934 |
| Collaboration | ARC Linkage project with multiple partners |
Application Tips
- Highlight plant genetics experience – Oat/cereal pathology and genetics.
- Show bioinformatics skills – GWAS, SNP calling, BLAST.
- Emphasize disease screening experience – Greenhouse and field phenotyping.
- Demonstrate publication record – ISI-ranked peer-reviewed journals.
- Apply before deadline – September 30, 2026.
How to Apply
Submit your application (cover letter, CV, and supporting documents) through the University of Sydney application portal.
For confidential discussions: recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the qualification requirement? PhD in Plant Genetics/Genomics, Molecular Biology/Genomics, or Agricultural Science.
- What is the salary? $117,936 – $125,896 + 17% superannuation.
- What is the location? Camden Campus, Australia.
- What is the project focus? Oat crown rust genetics.
- What is the deadline? September 30, 2026.
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