Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Full time fixed term until December 2025

• Postdoctoral Research Associate -Centre for infectious Diseases and Microbiology Westmead Institute for Clinical Research

• Base Salary $100,717 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

Pharmacy at the University of Sydney began in 1899. The school has many collaborative research projects with other faculties, teaching hospitals, research institutes and the pharmaceutical industry.

This is an exciting opportunity as a Postdoctoral Research Associate where you will contribute to important research by assisting in coordinating datasets and associated laboratory activities for both microbial and phage banks. Your technical expertise will support the research and development component of bacteriophage manufacturing and processing. You will mainly perform  research projects at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. Closely affiliated with the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, the Institute’s research extends from the laboratory to the patient using the basic tools of molecular and cell biology, genetic epidemiology, imaging technology and clinical research.

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research is one of the largest medical research institutes in Australia with over 600 staff and students across 11 research centres. Its research spans infectious and immune diseases; cancer and leukaemia; liver and metabolic diseases; eye and brain related disorders and heart and respiratory disorders.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• perform procedures from phage isolation, propagate/culture and cryopreservation of phages, including bacterial cell lines

• assist with phage bank curation. Phage Australia utilises phages from collections towards bioprocessing therapeutic phages for clinical trials

• support and troubleshoot timely and high-quality production of high-value phages for empiric use

• Assist with generation of publications, grants, ethics, governance submissions and progress reports

• support leadership team to facilitate and maintain stakeholders within the Phage Australia network and establish and maintain strong connections with phage biobanks across Australia and internationally

• support the development of standardised experimental protocols for phage selection and diagnostics prior to therapy, for monitoring phage and bacteria levels and patient response (immune response and microbiome changes) during therapy.

About you

• higher degree in biological sciences (PhD) is preferred

• laboratory experience in handling phages and bacteria is highly desirable

• experience in general laboratory operations. Experience in QAQC and vaccine program in industry is highly desirable

• experience in writing manuscripts and grant applications is highly desirable but not an absolute requirement

• experience with informal writing including social media platforms

• experience in bacteriophage and bacterial cell culture techniques, including cell and bacteriophage isolation and managing bacteriophage and bacterial cell lines

• proficient molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, western blotting, ELISAs, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining

• ability to handle sequences, design primers, handle next generation sequencing data is highly desirable

• strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and in a team setting, especially under high pressure to achieve milestones

• meticulous approach to planning, attention to detail, conducting and notation of experimental work, and the ability to accurately process, store, retrieve and analyse data.

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.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

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.

As this position is located on an NSW Health site, it is a regulatory requirement to complete compulsory employment checks prior to starting in this position. For more information and instructions, please visit:NSW Health employment requirements

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 Cecilia Blamey, Recruitment Operations, by email to cecilia.blamey@sydney.edu.au

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