Postdoctoral Research Associate - Computational RNA Design

• Lead developer for the platform, driving sequence design, RNA folding and RNA stability, with access to proprietary data and a closed loop where designs are synthesised, tested and returned as training data.
• Interdisciplinary team at the interface of machine learning, RNA biology and cancer therapeutics, and direct engagement with world leaders and industry partners.
• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 24 months, with the possibility of extension.
• Base salary: Level A, $116,866 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer (ACRTC) is a nationally significant RNA innovation hub based in Western Australia, dedicated to translating cutting-edge RNA science into real treatments for aggressive cancers. The Centre brings together RNA technologists, oncologists, computational biologists, AI/ML engineers, patient advocates, and industry partners to design, synthesise, test, and optimise RNA-based medicines, with a focus on hard-to-treat cancers including sarcoma, glioblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer, lung cancer, and multiple myeloma.

ACRTC is hosted by the UWA School of Human Sciences and funded by the Cancer Research Trust in collaboration with UWA, Therapeutics Innovation Australia, the WA Department of Health, Cancer Council of WA, Harry Perkins Institute, Telethon Kids Institute, Curtin University, and industry partners.

ACRTC is now strengthened by a substantive funding program for the next 5 years, developing next-generation mRNA molecules with enhanced structural stability and extended therapeutic duration. Known as RNA Optimisation for Biological Utility and Stability (ROBUST), the program brings together four interconnected capabilities: (1) Computation, AI & RNA Multi-omics, (2) RNA Structure & Interactions, (3) Compartmentalisation & Condensates, and (4) Alternative RNA Formats. The findings from this interdisciplinary team will be integrated for application within identified clinical use cases, thus forging a clear path from fundamental research to clinical impact.

This position sits within Capability 1: Computation, AI & RNA Multi-omics of the ROBUST program. Capability 1 will use a globally unique RNA dataset and state-of-the-art high-performance computing resources to develop one of the most data-rich RNA design platforms in the world.

About the opportunity

• Develop and apply mathematical, computational, statistical and machine learning methods to RNA and multi-omics data, and build innovative design solutions to optimise next-generation mRNA molecules.
• Build, train, fine-tune and validate mathematical, statistical and machine learning models for RNA therapeutics, including differentiable-programming approaches, together with the computational pipelines that feed them.
• Work directly with experimental teams and collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers, international advisers and industry partners to run the design-build-test-learn cycle, publish high-impact research, and identify opportunities for research translation and intellectual property.

About you

• PhD in a computational or quantitative discipline such as computer science, machine learning, mathematics, statistics, physics or engineering, computational biology.
• Strong background in modern machine learning, underpinned by solid foundations in linear algebra, probability, statistics and optimisation.
• Strong programming capability, particularly in Python and C-like languages, including a deep learning framework (PyTorch, JAX or equivalent), version control and reproducible software development practices.
• Demonstrated ability to reason from first principles about an unfamiliar scientific problem, and genuine appetite to develop depth in RNA biology.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to high-quality research, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, conference outputs, substantial open-source contributions or comparable scholarly achievements, and experience contributing to collaborative, multi-institutional research projects.

Desirable: In-depth and innovative ML modelling, sequence models or differentiable programming; genomics or transcriptomics data, training models at scale on HPC or GPU infrastructure; and fluency with agentic and AI-assisted development workflows, applied with rigour.

Note: As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to complete declarations in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. A current National Police Clearance will be required by the successful applicant.

Position description: PD - Postdoctoral Research Associate (524145).pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Dr Nikolay Shirokikh at ***************@uwa.edu.au

For enquiries on the recruitment process, please contact Maddy Chaplin at *************@uwa.edu.au

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.

You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 13 September 2026.

This position is open to international applicants.

Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Generous paid leave including parental leave.
• Up to 17% employer paid superannuation.
• Salary packaging available.
• Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.
• Up to 25% discount on eligible UWA full-fee courses.
• Discounted health insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.