Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plant Photosynthesis and Phenotyping

Division: Provost

Location: Richmond, AU

Contract Type: Full-Time

Job ID: REF1453Y

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• Full-time, fixed-term position for 3 years.
• Based at Hawkesbury Campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: Academic Level A $97,153 – $117,376 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Apply physiology and phenotyping tools to identify traits that lift yield and resilience in protected horticulture crops.

The Opportunity

You will 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. This includes integrating plant phenotyping platforms to monitor growth, yield and disease resilience, and performing physiological and biochemical screening to validate technologies and identify traits critical to performance in protected environments.

You will work as part of an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional project team with national and international collaborators and commercial partners. You will publish in peer-reviewed journals, prepare reports and manuscripts, present findings at seminars, conferences and industry workshops, and contribute to research grant development.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver original research outcomes that support 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.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• You hold a PhD in plant biology (or bring equivalent experience), with expertise in photosynthesis, phenotyping and horticultural crop biochemistry.
• You have hands-on experience measuring and analysing photosynthesis, including gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and hyperspectral reflectance.
• You’re confident using plant phenotyping platforms to assess growth and yield, supporting germplasm selection.
• You bring strong capability in plant biochemistry, with experience analysing enzymes, metabolites and gene expression.
• You’re a clear communicator with strong organisational skills, comfortable engaging with industry partners and mentoring research students.

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Professor Oula Ghannoum via O.Ghannoum@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1453Y.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wednesday 19 August 2026.
• Visa Sponsorship: Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

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