Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dementia Research Centre

24 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

Research Field

Biological sciences
Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

Australia

Application Deadline

29 Feb 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

• Salary Package: Level A from $81,581 to $109,852 p.a., plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Appointment Type: Fixed Term employment for 12 months (with possible extension contingent to funding available)
• Macquarie University (Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde)

The Role

The Dementia Research Centre is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neuroscience to work on a NHMRC-funded project aiming to develop novel gene therapies for the treatment of epilepsy. The researcher will also integrate into ongoing research projects focusing on understanding disease mechanisms in dementia. The role will involve administering and testing novel gene therapies in a range of mouse models for various neurological disorders (including epilepsy and dementia), as well as further developing and testing novel gene therapies in various cell culture systems. The role requires significant independence in experimental planning and execution, data analysis and reporting. The successful candidate will present the data at scientific conferences and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts towards publications in scientific journals.

Specific role requirements:

• Administer and test gene therapies in a range of mouse models. This includes behavioural analysis, monitoring of mice and analysis of data.
• Analyse biological samples with Mass Spectrometry to identify novel proteins of interest.
• Conduct biochemical analysis of biological samples (including cells and animal tissue) using techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, PCR, protein extraction etc.
• Undertake molecular biology experiments such as: RT-PCR, DNA/RNA extractions, molecular cloning and modification of DNA plasmids.
• Maintain and monitor a large mouse colony to a high standard. This includes setting up of breedings, monitoring pregnancies, weaning offspring, tissue harvesting, record keeping and genotyping of mice.

About You

You will have worked with laboratory animals in your field of research and you are interested in utilising these to test and assess a range of novel AAV-based gene therapies. Experience with behavioural, biochemical, and histological analysis of rodents is highly desirable. You will also have experience with Mass Spectrometry for the analysis of biological samples. You will be a highly motivated individual who demonstrates initiative and can drive a project through to completion. You enjoy working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve common goals.

You would have made significant contributions to your field of research with several impactful publications and presentations at conferences. You have excellent time and project management skills that ensure you can meet tight deadlines and set milestones. You will also be an excellent communicator with high-quality interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

About Us

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) is ambitiously pushing the boundaries of progressive thinking and challenging what's possible to solve some of the big issues of our time, both nationally and on a global scale. The Faculty forms part of MQ Health, an integrated academic health sciences enterprise which incorporates Macquarie University Hospital and primary and speciality clinics. We have active research programs in neurosciences, health systems and patient safety research, cancer medicine, and clinical sciences, amongst others. We foster a values-based culture of innovation and creativity to achieve excellence in teaching and to enhance the research performance of the University. We invest in developing the careers and wellbeing of our students and staff and expect all our leaders to live our values of Caring, Integrity, Teamwork, Ambition, Innovation, and Engagement.

Within the Faculty, the Dementia Research Centre provides an environment for innovative, interdisciplinary research for dementia and other neurological conditions, using and developing state-of-the-art technologies to advance basic discoveries towards translation into clinical treatments. The Dementia Research Centre is committed to providing a unique and supportive mentoring program to allow the growth of future leaders for dementia research.

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation 54 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we've grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today and learn more about the Dementia Research Centre .

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach your resume and a separate cover letter (2-page maximum) that outlines how you meet to the selection criteria below:

Essential Criteria:

• PhD in Neuroscience, Medical Science, Cell Biology or a closely related discipline; ideally with a focus on neurological disorders and/or neurodegeneration.

Core Criteria:

• Experience with handling and characterisation of laboratory rodents, particularly behavioural analysis. Experience with administrating reagents to rodents via various methods, as well as the maintenance and care of large mouse colonies and associated animal ethics is highly desirable.
• Experience with the analysis of biological samples through the use of Mass Spectrometry.
• Experience with biochemical and histological analysis of biological samples, including protein extraction, western blotting, immunofluorescent staining, RT-PCR.
• A strong record of contributions to peer reviewed publications and history of research excellence, relative to experience and opportunity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to prepare reports and publish in high impact quality journals.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with rodent microsurgeries e.g. stereotaxic injections.
• Experience with culturing and analysis of various cell lines and types.
• Experience in the use of AAVs for various in vivo and/or in vitro research experiments.
• Experience with molecular biology and cloning.
• Experience with a range of microscopy techniques.

This position requires criminal record and qualifications checking.

*Please note that this position is not available for visa sponsorship and the successful applicant must have work rights in Australia*

Specific Role Enquiries: Dr Janet van Eersel, Dementia Research Centre, [email protected]

General Enquiries: Amie Law, Dementia Research Centre, [email protected]

Applications Close: Thursday, 29 Feb 2024 at 11:55pm

Diversity and Inclusion

Innovation and ingenuity thrive at Macquarie University when diversity, equity and inclusion take centre stage. At the University, we embrace a culture where diversity of background, experience and perspective are fundamental to our success.

We do not discriminate on gender identity, age, culture, disability, sexuality, Indigeneity, family and caring responsibilities or religion. See our journey towards leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub .

Requirements
Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

Country

Australia

City

Ryde

Postal Code

North Ryde

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/unijobs/listing/366048/postdoctoral-resear…

Contact

City

Ryde

STATUS: EXPIRED