Research Officer

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Opportunity to Work with leading researchers
• Great Organisational culture
• Competitive salary with 17% super

THE ROLE

We are seeking a motivated, capable, and proactive Research Officer with a background in wet laboratory neuroscience, histology, and molecular biology.

The role will be shared between the Neurobiology lab (School of Natural Sciences) and the Neurobiology of Vital Systems node (Macquarie Medical School) at Macquarie University. Both labs use similar techniques to understand the functional architecture of neural circuits that control breathing and blood pressure in mammals (Neurobiology of Vital Systems node) and sensory function in a range of non-model vertebrates (Neurobiology lab).

In the Neurobiology lab, the role will primarily support an ARC Discovery project investigating the molecular and anatomical basis of brain lateralisation in birds. In the Vital Systems lab, the role will support projects studying the organisation of brain systems that drive innate motor behaviours such as swallowing and orienting, and their integration with brain systems that control breathing and the cardiovascular system.

ABOUT YOU

You will be adaptable, enthusiastic, and well organised.  You will enjoy working both independently and as part of a team, keen to learn new skills and to contribute actively to a diverse range of research activities, including:

• Assessing gene/protein expression in brain and other neural tissues using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and other histological techniques.

• Stimulation and inhibition of discrete brain areas using optogenetics

• Recording of neural activity using fibre photometry and electrophysiology

• Small animal surgery & husbandry.

• Contributing to the training and supervision of higher degree research students.

• Contributing to the day-to-day management of the research laboratory.

ABOUT US

The School of Natural Sciences was formed on 1 January 2022 through the amalgamation of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Molecular Sciences, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. The School is the largest in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and is a vibrant community of educators, researchers and students working across a wide range of biological, biomolecular, biomedical, chemical, environmental and geoscience disciplines.

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences builds on our aspiration to have the nation's first fully integrated Academic Health Sciences Centre under a university's leadership. Macquarie Medical School is a newly formed unit that combines research excellence in the biomedical and clinical sciences and passion and innovation in our educational missions. In research, the School consists of multidisciplinary teams that span cellular and systems neuroscience, cancer, ophthalmology, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Appointment Type: Full-time, fixed term for 12 months

Salary Package: From $76,908 to $87,443 p.a. (HEW 5), plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading.

TO APPLY

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

Essential:

• Degree in Neuroscience or related discipline and/or relevant research experience

• Knowledge and experience of molecular, cellular biology and/or protein chemistry techniques, preparation of histological samples (e.g. perfusion, dissection, cryosectioning), in­ situ hybridization (including the design and use of custom probes), immunocytochemistry & fluorescence microscopy.

• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with team members.

Desirable:

• Flexibility in working with a range of vertebrate animal models including animal handling, surgery & postoperative care

• Demonstrated experience working in a research laboratory including knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines, e.g., workplace health and safety inductions, risk assessments, etc.

• Knowledge of Animal Ethics guidelines.

Enquiries: Professor Nathan Hart, Head of School, School of Natural Sciences at [email protected]

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:

26/09/2022 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