Innovation Fellow (RNA Design)

Job no:517402
Work type:full time
Location:Crawley
Categories:Science, Health and Medical Sciences

• Foster innovation and inspiring breakthroughs in RNA design for therapeutics development at the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer
• Lead cutting-edge RNA research with Professor Archa Fox, driving clinically-relevant projects and mentoring staff and PhD students
• Level B, full-time appointment for 2 years with a possibility of extension depending on funding and performance, starting in July 2024
• Base salary range: $108,509 - $128,404 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

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.

About the Area

The Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer (ACRTC) is an RNA production and innovation node in Western Australia dedicated to developing cancer treatments. We aim to integrate RNA technology with cancer research strengths in Australia to translate discoveries into the clinic. We will bring together multidisciplinary groups involving RNA technologists, oncologists, consumers, and patients advocates to design, synthesise, test and improve RNA drugs; and tackle aggressive and hard to treat cancers as use cases to develop RNA drugs and platform approaches to treating cancers. The Centre also includes the RNA Innovation Foundry (RIF): a dedicated mRNA production facility with a focus on automated high-throughput production of mRNA for preclinical experiments.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Director for ACRTC, Professor Archa Fox, you will undertake innovative research on RNA structure optimisation and design. You will apply the innovative research to clinically relevant pilot projects supported by the ACRTC, as well as collaborative projects with other industry and academic partners through the RIF. Your work will contribute to the broader goals of designing better RNA Therapeutics that would confer optimal characteristics for clinical use, in terms of stability, translational efficiency, regulation and endosomal escape.

You will co-supervise PhD students and research staff conducting a range of aligned research projects. You will have ready access to the RIF and the associated workflows and infrastructure. The position also includes provision of funds for consumables for your research. You will also be expected to collaborate closely with multiple research groups and to build new research collaborations with other groups in Australia and overseas.

About You

You thrive on collaboration, possessing a genuine passion and experience working with teams developing novel Intellectual Property (IP) breakthroughs and communicating your research, as evidenced by patents filed and/or publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals. You have exceptional interpersonal, written, and communication skills, enabling you to interface with various projects in the development of RNA technology.

To be considered for this opportunity, you will demonstrate:

• PhD in molecular biology, biotechnology or a related discipline
• Experience in RNA biology, computational biology and/or molecular biology techniques
• Experience managing multiple ongoing projects
• Highly-developed research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Evidence of good supervision of students
• Experience in structural biology is desirable

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:   PD - Research Fellow 517402.doc.pdf  

You are required to 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 also submit an additional statement (1 page max) outlining any personal circumstances which should be considered when assessing your application. Applicants who have experienced periods of academic/professional interruption or other relevant events can include a description of achievements relative to opportunity in this statement.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 16 June 2024

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Archa Fox at [email protected]

This position is open to international applicants.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace.  We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution.  We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity. 

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.

Advertised:20 May 2024 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:16 Jun 2024 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time