Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Bioengineering and Molecular Medicine

• Part time (0.2) fixed term opportunity until the 31st December 2027. Primarily located at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research on the Westmead Campus

• Actively contribute to the provision of high-quality research activities at WIMR

• Base Salary Academic Level A $105,350 - $112,462 p.a. (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Sydney, established in 1946, offered the first university-level chemical engineering program in Australia. The School is committed to teaching excellence and our graduates are highly regarded and sought after by employers in Australia and overseas. The School is research-intensive and considered a world leader in many cutting edge areas of chemical and biomolecular engineering.

This is an exciting opportunity from the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering for Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Bioengineering and Molecular Medicine to join a group operating out of the Westmead Research Precinct. The project is supported by NHMRC grant funding and aims to develop AAV-CRISPR based gene therapy treatments for neurofibromatosis type 1 and type 2. The role will develop new technologies and apply them to a genuine health need.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• contribute actively to the provision of high-quality research activities

• manage the day-to-day operation of the neurofibromatosis gene therapy project, but assist and participate in other adjacent gene therapy research projects

• produce and/or contribute to high-quality research data for conference presentations, manuscripts, and funding applications

• report to senior academic researchers and supervise junior researchers and students (postgraduate and undergraduate) as part of a multidisciplinary team

• provide clear leadership and coordination across their fields of research

• ensure that all aspects of the research program are conducted according to WHS regulations.

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 Fellow in Bioengineering and Molecular Medicine who has:

• a PhD in genetic engineering and molecular biology, with a focus on childhood congenital diseases

• extensive technical experience in designing, testing, and analysing gene therapeutics (inclusive of    cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, experience with CRISPR/Cas9 & adeno-associated viral vectors, and sequencing techniques)

• experience characterising in vivo murine models, and culturing of primary and immortalised cells

• an outstanding track record in developing tissue-targeted delivery systems

• a demonstrated ability to independently design and budget a research plan

• demonstrated research skills together with a proven capacity for independently managing collaborative research projects

• a proven track record of working collaboratively across different research disciplines

• excellent communication and interpersonal skills with high level of competency in both written and spoken English.

Desirable Skills

• a background in childhood genetic diseases including osteogenesis imperfecta and neurofibromatosis

• experience designing novel gene therapy constructs in reference to adeno-associated viral vectors (i.e. promoters, NLSs, enzymes, etc...)

• the ability to demonstrate research potential evidenced by authorship of peer-reviewed research publications and conference attendance/awards

• the ability to demonstrate an emerging local profile within an area of intellectual and/or technical expertise.

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. 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 reasons for 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.

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. 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, 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 any documents in alternate formats, please contact Chris Masaoka, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected] .

Click to view the Position Description for
this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 02 April 2024 11:59 PM