Research Assistant/Research Fellow in RNA biology/Neurobiology

PRIMARY DETAIL

Postdoctoral Fellow in the field of neurodegenerative disease research to join the Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Research Centre within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences.

THE ROLE

• Salary Package: From $77,697 - $104,622 (Level A) p.a., plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading

• Appointment Type: Full-time, fixed term position for 1 year.

• Macquarie University (North Ryde) location

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a background in neurosciences and/or neurodegenerative diseases, preferably including motor neuron disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS). The Cellular Neurobiology Team, located within the MND Research Centre at Macquarie University, conducts research investigating novel disease mechanisms and new treatments for motor neuron disease.

This primarily uses molecular and cellular approaches, as well as mouse models of disease. You will be involved in studies investigating both new disease mechanisms and novel potential treatments for motor neuron disease.

You will perform work relating to cellular mechanisms of MND, using your strong molecular biology skills, particularly RNA biology and ELISAs. You will be involved in in vivo studies in mouse models involving behavioural testing and drug administration. You will also use a range of other techniques including confocal microscopy, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. Postdoctoral applicants will also be expected to be involved in the design, analysis, and publication of experiments.

About You

You will be a talented and organised researcher who takes initiative when completing research project tasks and is driven by a desire to contribute and solve problems. You will have strong research skills in qualitative and quantitative methods, proven experience in data collection, protocol development, and administrative tasks. You will hold a PhD, or alternatively close to completing/submission of your PhD will also be considered. You will enjoy working both independently and as part of a cooperative and interdisciplinary collaborative team. You will have excellent accuracy and quality when completing tasks. You will also have knowledge of and be competent in the MS Office Suite, data management and statistical analysis packages.

About Us

Macquarie has assembled the largest research centre in Australia (>90 staff/students working on MND) focused on investigating the causes of MND and developing novel therapies. The MND research Centre is well integrated into the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Sciences, has established state-of-the-art research facilities and offers outstanding development options including an active Early Career Researcher support network (‘EnCouRage’).

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences has active research programs in biomedical, translational and health services domains, with current areas of strength including neurosciences (especially motor neuron disease, neurological rehabilitation, and the clinical neuroscience of pain), cancer medicine, and vascular science, amongst others. In learning and teaching, the Faculty offers a unique suite of capability-based medical educational programs aimed a post-graduation subspecialty medical education and training.

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 .

To Apply

To be considered for this position applicants are asked to provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria below and attach their curriculum vitae (including contact information for 2-3 references) as part of the application process.

• A PhD in medical science or related disciplines and experience conducting research. Alternatively, highly experienced applicants without a PhD will also be considered.

• Strong background in RNA methodology.

• Demonstrated expertise in ELISAs

• Experience in neurosciences, particularly neurodegenerative diseases would be beneficial.

• Demonstrated expertise in animal handling.  Experience working with mouse models of MND would be highly regarded.

• Experience in using cell culture models, microscopy (confocal preferred), and flow cytometry would be beneficial

• Demonstrated record of contributions to performing experiments for research projects. For postdoctoral applicants, this includes planning and designing experiments, preparation, and analysis of research data, writing manuscripts and delivering presentations at conferences and meetings.

• Ability to prioritise different work demands.

• Ability to liaise effectively with different stakeholder groups (including Faculty Administrators, Faculty Laboratory operations team, Staff and students).

• Ability to apply theoretical and experimental knowledge to modify, adapt and implement changes to existing techniques.

PLESE NOTE: Previous applicants need not apply.

Given current Australian Government COVID-19 border restrictions applications for this position are only being accepted from Australian citizens or permanent residents or people currently residing in Australia with full working rights.

Specific Role Enquiries: Professor Julie Atkin at: [email protected]

General Enquiries: Jasmine Xia at: [email protected]

Applications Close: Thursday, 1 September 2022 at 11:55pm AEDT

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

10/08/2022 11:59 PM

Equity & Diversity Statement

At Macquarie University, we are committed to providing a working environment where each individual is valued, respected and supported to progress. Our priority is to ensure culture, policies and processes are truly inclusive and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, gender, culture, disability, LGBTIQA+ identities, family and caring responsibilities, age, or religion. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria and shares Macquarie University’s values of scholarship, empowerment and integrity to apply.

Learn more about our progress towards Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/diversity-inclusion