Jenny

A plant biologist isn’t usually the first job that comes to mind when considering a career in the space sector. But for Jenny Mortimer, who leads groundbreaking research on how unique species of plants can thrive in space and support future missions, her metamorphosis into the industry is a testament to the unexpected pathways that can lead to an exciting and meaningful career in the space sector. 

If you had asked Jenny 10 years ago about her career aspirations, working in the space sector was the last thing on her mind.

Yet today, she is one of the lead researchers at the South Australian-based ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, where she is leveraging her knowledge of plant biochemistry to drive novel solutions for space habitation.

“One of the most exciting aspects of working in the space sector is its extraordinary multidisciplinary nature. It requires a diverse range of expertise; no single field can tackle the challenges alone,” said Jenny, who is the Professor of Plant Synthetic Biology at the University of Adelaide.

“To keep humans alive in space and enable them to thrive and succeed in missions, we need to draw on research that wouldn’t normally be involved in space, which includes thinking about how we feed people and keep them healthy. Plants could play a really important role in this.”

From research labs to the frontier of space exploration

Originally from the UK, Jenny completed her PhD in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge. Following postdoctoral research, she undertook a research fellowship at Japan’s RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science and the US Department of Energy National Laboratories, where she established her own research group with a focus on plant-based biofuels.

Her transition into the space sector was fuelled by a passion for sustainability and wanting to be part of a bigger mission to address the unique challenges of growing plants in space, while also improving plant production here on Earth.

“In space, we need to design novel approaches to how we grow plants in a controlled environment. We also see this happening here on Earth with vertical farming,” she said.

“The challenge lies in redesigning traditional crops for these controlled settings, where we can precisely manage light, temperature, humidity, and other factors. Traditional crops are adapted to outdoor environments with seasonal changes and varying climates. So, how do we grow plants suited for these fixed conditions?

“This innovation is crucial for both space and Earth, where resources like water and carbon are limited and must be recycled. We need to consider how to utilise every part of the plant efficiently.”

It’s never too late for a career in space

For Jenny, a career in the space sector is like a childhood dream come true, and one she least expected.

“I would never have imagined that I’d been working in the space sector,” she said. “I can’t think of any other type of industry where I get to do such interesting work and meet incredible people.”

There has never been a better time to explore a career in South Australia’s fast-growing space sector. Home to the Australian Space Agency, the Australian Mission Control Centre, and over 100 space-related organisations, the state is at the forefront of the nation’s space endeavours.

Beyond just astronauts, the space sector offers a variety of careers with a wide range of skills, experiences and backgrounds needed. Jenny encourages others to consider the career possibilities in sector.

“If you are open-minded and flexible, it’s an amazing industry to build a career in. There is a need for almost every skill set in the space sector,” she said.

Explore the Find Your Place website to explore out-of-this world career opportunities in South Australia’s space sector today.