Principal Investigator

• Full time, 3 year fixed term 
• Exciting opportunity for a Principal Investigator to contribute to research focused project within the Save Sight Institute located at Charles Perkins Centre 
• Base Salary $145,023-$167,221 + 17% superannuation   

About the opportunity 

The Optic nerve Research Collaborative Australia (ORCA) is part of the Save Sight Institute (SSI) within the Faculty of Medicine and Health, located at the Charles Perkins Centre in the University of Sydney Campus. It was established in 1985 and has grown to be one of the top ophthalmic research institutes in Australia. SSI  is internationally recognised as a centre of innovative research into ophthalmology and as a centre of excellence for clinical research, learning and teaching.

Ophthalmology is a highly specialised area of clinical medicine and science and the Save Sight Institute has gathered together a critical mass of clinicians, researchers, equipment and technology which is unique within the University of Sydney. The Principal Investigator will lead the "Neural Replacement" section of a major research program tackling glaucoma and related optic nerve diseases.

Your key responsibilities will be to: 

• take a lead role in establishing and leading a major endeavour in stem cell-based replacement therapies for the treatment of optic nerve diseases.  
• to expand our expertise in neuronal stem cell culture and preparation for cell replacement therapies
• to build an original research  project (either independently or as part of a collaborative team) to explore cell replacement therapies.
• contribute and coordinate the research and administration activities of the discipline
• develop research collaborations which will ultimately result in knowledge or technology transfer leading to commercialistation, improved policy or practice and/or enhancements to industry
• assist with future grant applications and supervision of PhD students.

About you 

• have a PhD in an academic field relevant to the discipline  
• have extensive and established expertise in laboratory-based  research in neuroscience and/or vision research relevant to optic nerve degeneration and replacement approaches.
• Established ability to work with rodents models, cell-culture  and other related experimental models   
• have expertise in stem cell research, stem cell differentiation patch clamping and  electrophysiological assessment of the retina, neurons and neuron-like cells
• Established expertise in standard molecular techniques including not limited to PCR, general understanding of LMICS 
• demonstrates a track record of impactful research and publications in their field  
• is an excellent mentor for junior scientists as evidenced by supervision, mentoring, and support  
• demonstrates a strong track record of effectively working in multi-disciplinary teams, industry and professional institutions, health partners, and stakeholders 

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 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.

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.  

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 Lena Germinarios, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

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Applications Close

Wednesday 07 February 2024 11:59 PM