Technical Specialist - Plant Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology

• HEO8
• Full-time
• 12-month fixed-term position
• La Trobe University’s Melbourne (Bundoora) campus location
• Hybrid working arrangements

About the position

The Technical Specialist – Plant Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology will support the Plant SynBio Australia initiative, contributing to the development of innovative plant biotechnology and synthetic biology tools.

Working collaboratively across research teams, the role will support the design and assembly of vectors and gene constructs, molecular analysis of transgenic plants and cells, plant transformation, genome editing and metabolic engineering. The position will contribute to advancing and translating these technologies across agricultural and medicinal crop species.

Essential Criteria

Skills and knowledge required for the position

• Tertiary qualifications or an equivalent alternate combination of relevant knowledge, training and/or experience in plant biotechnology or related discipline.
• Demonstrated extensive experience and knowledge in plant biotechnology including vector construction and molecular componentry required for optimal plant transformation, genome editing including SDN-1 modifications, and other synthetic biology applications such as, recombinant protein expression.
• Demonstrated extensive experience and knowledge in coordinating transformation and genome editing activities from in vitro plant regeneration techniques that utilise explant sources such as, protoplasts, cell suspension, embryogenic callus, zygotic embryos, and/or microspores.
• Demonstrated extensive experience and knowledge in molecular analysis of transgenic and genome edited plants and cell cultures, and their characterisation using tools such next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, PCR and other molecular and cell biology and/or biochemistry techniques.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in managing laboratory resources and optimising workflows to accommodate molecular biology activities relating to applications in plant synthetic biology.

Please see the position description for all other Duties and Skills and knowledge required for the position

Benefits:

• 17% employer contributed superannuation

• On site child care facilities

• Flexible work arrangements

• Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses

Why La Trobe: 

• Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact. 
• Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics 
• Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in the future

How to apply

Closing date: By 11:55 pm Sunday the 1st of November 2026

Position Enquiries: Daniel Isenegger, Plant Synthetic Biology Project Manager

d.isenegger@latrobe.edu.au

Recruitment Enquiries: Madeleine Parker, First Nations Talent Acquisition Consultant

m.parker@latrobe.edu.au

Position Description below:

 PD-HEO8-Plant Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology Specialist.docx

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• An up to date resume;
• Cover letter addressing your suitability for the position; and
• A separate document addressing the Key selection criteria located under the “Essential Criteria, Skills and knowledge required for the position.”

Please scroll down to apply.

All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005.  If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create safe and respectful communities. Candidates will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, gender-based violence in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability. Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation liberty or autonomy.