Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Microbial Ecology and Crop Disease Management

Full-Time, Fixed-Term Position for 4 Years Based at Western’s Hawkesbury Campus $112,718 to $136,180 p.a. Inclusive of Superannuation + Leave Loading About Western Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led institution at the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing and most economically significant region. With 11 campuses across Sydney and international locations in Vietnam and Indonesia—plus planned expansion in India—it serves nearly 50,000 students, 3,500 staff, and a global network of over 200,000 alumni. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, over 85% of its assessed research is rated ‘World Standard’ or above. The University is ranked #1 globally and nationally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2022-2025) for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. About the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. The Institute conducts fundamental and applied research in ecology, physiology, genetics and global change biology. Within the past decade, the Institute has become a world-leading centre of excellence in ecosystem function and environmental responses to climate change. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, the Institute collaborates widely with Australian and international institutions to craft scientific research of the highest calibre. For more information, please visit our website www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie The Opportunity Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture? We’re seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a dynamic, international research team at the forefront of plant disease diagnostics and microbiome innovation. This role is part of a pioneering initiative funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia, aimed at unlocking the potential of soil and plant microbiomes for disease control and sustainable horticulture. The overall goal of the position is to increase resilience of horticulture (potato) to pathogen impacts. As the Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you’ll: *Design and lead controlled environment and field experiments to investigate how beneficial microbiota enhance crop resilience to disease and climate stress. *Apply advanced tools such as metagenomics, metabolomics, artificial intelligence, and modelling to identify pathogens, beneficial microbes, and predict disease outcomes. *Develop innovative, sustainable strategies for disease management and soil health diagnostics. *Collaborate with students, international researchers, industry partners, and growers across Australia and beyond. *Contribute to the preparation of reports, high-impact publications, and presentations at national and international conferences and industry workshops. *Ensure research integrity and data management in line with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and university policies. *Produce and analyse high-quality data, prepare timely reports aligned with funding agreements, and contribute to the development of diagnostic and management tools for crop disease. *Support teaching and learning, where appropriate, by designing and delivering engaging content across lectures, tutorials, and workshops in face-to-face, hybrid, or online formats. *Supervise and mentor students, including undergraduate summer projects, Masters researchers, and/or PhD candidates. This is a full-time, fixed-term opportunity for 4 years based on the Hawkesbury Campus in Richmond, New South Wales. Travel to other campuses of the University may be required. Who We’re Looking For You hold a PhD (or have recently submitted your thesis) in microbial ecology, plant pathology, disease management, or a related field. You bring hands-on experience in microbial, plant, and soil chemistry, and understand the complex interactions within soil communities. You’re skilled in designing and executing experiments in both controlled and field settings, and familiar with tools such as metagenomics, metabolomics, machine learning, and modelling. Your statistical knowledge and data management practices support reproducible, high-quality research. You have a growing publication record, strong scientific writing skills, and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams. Organised and self-motivated, you also enjoy mentoring students and contributing to a positive research culture. If you want to help shape the future of sustainable horticulture and make a lasting impact on global food systems, apply now! Remuneration Package: Academic Level A $112,718 to $136,180 p.a. (comprising Salary of $95,248 to $115,074 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading). Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wednesday 12 November 2025 To apply: Please use the following link to submit your application https://au.smrtr.io/bFCN Position Enquiries: Please direct enquires about the role to Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh via email at B.Singh@westernsydney.edu.au. Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au. Immigration Sponsorship Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required. Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted