Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Neurobiology

• Full time, 30 months fixed term with potential extension. Located on the Camperdown Campus

• Opportunity to join a new research initiative within the School of Physics

• Base Salary, Level A $102,832 – $124,087 p.a. + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a new research initiative between the Nanophotonics and Plasmonics Advancement Lab (NPAL), part of the Institute of Photonics and Optical Science (IPOS), School of Physics, the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) and the Neely Lab, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, at the University of Sydney, in the area of molecular neurobiology, particularly in stem cells and gene editing with applications in neurophotonics. The successful candidate will conduct research using conventional and proprietary stem cells protocol (Dr Anai Gonzalez Cordero) to differentiate them into individual peripheral neurons after editing their DNA with conventional techniques like CRISPR. In particular, the candidate will generate new human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (hiPSC) cell lines with stable expression of photoactivable (e.g., optogenetics) or photoresponsive calcium sensors (e.g., GCAMP6) for differentiation. The research will be carried out with researchers at the two institutions.

This research is part of the NHMRC-funded Ideas Grant “Universal Neurophotonic Interface: A Revolution In Medical Bionics” in addition to the funded support from the School of Physics and the Physics Foundation, thanks to the Physics Grand Challenges “Universal Neurophotonic Interface: Bionics with “Feeling” winning proposal. The overarching project is highly cross-disciplinary and requires the candidates to interact with scientists with expertise in stem cell biology, gene editing, bioengineering, nerve conduits, neuromodulation and neuroscience in general. You will supervise and/or co-supervise undergraduate or postgraduate students working on related projects. From time-to-time you will also be asked to contribute to the general activities of the Team and potentially to other projects aligned with the scientific goals and interests of the participating research groups. The role requires regular reporting in writing and in person to the Team Leaders

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who has:

• a PhD in Molecular Biology or Neuroscience (or relevant PhD) (candidates who are near completion may also be considered)

• proven experimental research ability, and evidence of self-motivation and research potential

• excellent written and oral communications skills

• a demonstrated excellence in research within the fields of genetic engineering, stem cell technologies, or neurodevelopmental biology through, but not exclusively, published research in refereed journals

• knowledge in molecular biology (preferably CRISPR editing) and/or stem cell research

• demonstrated experience in microscopy like inverted laser scanning confocal systems, upright microscopy, fluorescence

• demonstrated experience with tissue culture preferably with stem cell models including their differentiation and maintenance

• demonstrated ability to conduct research under limited supervision, either independently or as part of a team.

It is desirable to have experience in some of the following:

• experience in neurophotonics and/or optogenetic

To apply for this role please address the following questions in a cover letter that you attach to your application:

1.   How do you or how would you approach working with a multidisciplinary team?

2.   Provide examples of times you have worked on a project with a diverse set of stakeholders. How did you modify your communication style or approach to meet the differing needs of these groups?

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Simon Drew, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources at [email protected]  

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Applications Close

Monday 17 April 2023 11:59 PM