Postdoctoral Fellow (A084-12MO), Australian National University (ANU)

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Listed: about a year ago (updated: about a year ago)

Country: Australia

Category: Research Job

Program: Postdoctoral

Field: Biology,Health

An exciting two year research opportunity exists within the Department of Translational Biosciences for a Postdoctoral Fellow on a project on the role of microRNAs in leukocyte differentiation that will potentially reveal new therapeutic targets for treating asthma.

LocationCanberra/ACT
Term of ContractFixed Term of 2 Years
GradeLevel A
Salary Package$58,077 - $73,669 pa plus 17% superannuation

View Academic Salary Information...

Closing Date24 February 2012
Position OverviewThe Cytokine Molecular Biology and Signalling Group in the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University is studying the molecular mechanisms by which the cytokines IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF regulate allergic inflammation and the expansion of granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils), mast cells and macrophages. We have recently made significant advances in our understanding of the structural biology of receptor activation and now wish to investigate how cytokine receptor signalling promotes the differentiation of haematopoieitic progenitors. The emerging role of microRNAs as regulators of lineage development in haematopoiesis together with demonstrations in primates and rodents of effective manipulation of miRNA function indicate they have great potential for treating human disease.
We wish to recruit a Postdoctoral Fellow to participate in a project which will utilise the techniques of molecular and cellular biology to elucidate the mechanisms regulating the maturation and expansion of inflammatory cells with emphasis on the role of microRNAs. The key microRNA targets will be manipulated to block inflammatory cell maturation. The project is a collaboration with Professor Paul Foster (University of Newcastle) who will evaluate the manipulation of microRNA targets using mouse asthma models. The project will potentially reveal new therapeutic targets for treating asthma and allergic inflammation.
If you have an outstanding track record in a relevant area such as molecular biology, cell biology or cytokine signalling and are keen to join in this cutting edge project we would welcome your application.
The Australian National University is an equal opportunities employer, encouraging applications from women and applicants from diverse backgrounds.
*To be considered for this position, applications must address the selection criteria. Please frame your application accordingly.
For enquiries about the position please contact Professor Ian Young on (02) 6125 0607 or email ig.young@anu.edu.au
Additional InformationPEWER.pdf
Position description 
Responsible toGroup Leader, Cytokine Molecular Biology and Signalling Group
Role statementPURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Postdoctoral Fellow is central to the participation by the Australian National University in an NHMRC project grant alongside the University of Newcastle entitled "Targeting microRNAs to inhibit leukocyte differentiation: a novel anti-inflammatory approach for the treatment of asthma".
A Postdoctoral Fellow (Academic Level A) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of the institution and to develop his/her research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to the particular field of research.
Position Dimension & Relationships:
The Postdoctoral Fellow will be based in the Department of Translational Biosciences within The John Curtin School of Medical Research. They will collaborate closely with the Group Leader, Professor Ian G Young, and interact with other members of the group. There may also be interaction with other members of the Department of Translational Bioscience and scientists from other areas of The John Curtin School of Medical Research. There will be exchange of ideas and expertise through seminars and discussions both within the School and the College.
Role Statement:
Specific duties required of a Level A Academic may include:
- The conduct of research under limited supervision as a member of a team and the production or contribution to the production of conference and seminar papers and publications from that research;
- Utilize a conditionally-immortalized granulocyte-macrophage progenitor to investigate the role of microRNAs in cytokine-stimulated myeloid differentiation.
- Develop strategies for manipulation of microRNA targets and test effect on differentiation.
- Collaborate as required with other members of the Cytokine Molecular Biology and Signalling Group.
- Collaborate with Professor Paul Foster (University of Newcastle) to extend the findings using animal models of asthma.
- Supervision of research-support staff involved in the staff member's research;
- Involvement in professional activities including, subject to availability of funds, attendance at conferences and seminars in the field of expertise;
- Some administrative functions primarily connected with the area of research of the academic;
- Development of some research-related material for teaching or other purposes with appropriate guidance from other staff;
- Occasional contributions to teaching in relation to his/her research project(s);
- Experimental design, and operation of advanced laboratory and technical equipment or conduct of advanced research procedures;
- Attendance at meetings associated with research or the work of the organisational unit to which the research is connected and/or at departmental and/or faculty meetings and/or membership of a limited number of committees;
- Advice within the field of the staff member's research to postgraduate students;
- Take reasonable care for your own workplace health and safety and not wilfully place at risk the health or safety of any other person in the workplace; and
- Other duties as allocated by the supervisor or the Vice-Chancellor consistent with the classification of the position.
Skill Base
A Level A Academic shall work with support, guidance and/or direction from staff classified at Level B and above and with an increasing degree of autonomy as the research academic gains in skill and experience.
Selection criteria 
1. A PhD or submission of a PhD thesis in the area of molecular and cellular biology or a related discipline and demonstrated capacity to write scientific research papers.
2. Demonstrated productivity and achievement in terms of publications in high quality journals
3. An intelligent and original approach to research with an ability to produce high quality experimental data.
4. Demonstrated ability to foster inclusive, respectful and productive working relationships with staff, students and colleagues at all levels.
5. Highly motivated with the ability to work collaboratively in a team as well as independently and excellent written and oral communication skills.
6. A demonstrated understanding of equal opportunity principles and policies and a commitment to their application in a university context.


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Listed about a year ago

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