Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A) or Research Fellow (Level B) in Molecular Neurotherapeutics

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Salary Package: From $102,501 - $109,852 (Level A, Step 6 to Step 8) or from $115,787 - $136,995 (Level B) p.a., plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
• Appointment Type: Full-time, fixed term position for 2 years (with the possibility of extension).
• Location: Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus (North Ryde)

THE ROLE

The Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre is seeking a motivated and experienced Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a background in molecular biology technologies (such as synthetic biology, RNA biology) and/or molecular neurosciences. As the successful incumbent, you will support our research group which is focussed on developing molecular therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases including motor neuron disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and dementias. You will contribute to research relating to the development of new molecular therapeutics for MND/dementia.

Reporting to the Professor of Neurobiology & Neurochemistry and working closely with the Motor Neuron Disease Research Team you will perform a variety of molecular biology techniques (incl. molecular cloning, CRISPR) which are applied to develop new molecular therapeutic tools (such as on/off expression switches, dose-escalation expression regulators) and evaluated in cell culture and in-vivo models.

This position offers excellent research and networking opportunities within a highly experienced and supportive research group. This includes contributions to research projects funded by FightMND and NHMRC, and also an opportunity to contribute to research that is being commercialised through a university spin-out company.

About You

You will be a Phd qualified, highly motivated individual with a research background in both molecular biology and synthetic biology. You will possess experience in molecular neuroscience and a genuine interest in neurodegenerative diseases including motor neuron disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). You will be a strong communicator, enjoy working both independently and as part of a team and will be an active participant in group analysis work and hold oversight of laboratory activities. You will possess excellent attention to detail that translates to high levels of accuracy and data 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

The Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre (>70 staff working on MND) is well integrated into the Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences and the Macquarie Medical School, 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 & 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. The Faculty hosts the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, an internationally acclaimed powerhouse researching health systems, e-health, and patient safety. 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, and a unique three-year extended masters-level, professional-entry Doctor of Physiotherapy degree.

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To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online by submitting your CV (including 2-3 referees) and a cover letter outlining the level you are applying for and a response to the following selection criteria

Essential Selection Criteria:

• A PhD in molecular biology, molecular neuroscience or related disciplines, and experience conducting research.

• Demonstrated record in contributing to research projects including planning and conducting experiments, analysis of data, and problem-solving.

• Strong background in molecular biology and/or molecular neuroscience, with demonstrated understanding of RNA biology and alternate splicing.

• Demonstrated experience in molecular biology and synthetic biology techniques including CRISPR, DNA cloning (including Gibson and Tol2 gateway), DNA construct assembly, PCR, gel electrophoresis, in vitro mRNA production, sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, western blotting and immunofluorescence.

• Experience in cell culture techniques including cell culture maintenance, transfection and viral transduction, and downstream analysis including flow cytometry and microscopy.

• Recognised contributions to the preparation and analysis of research data, drafting reports and manuscripts for presentation and publication and deliver presentations at conferences and meetings, relative to experience.

• Ability to work effectively within a team (including Faculty Administrators, Faculty Laboratory operations team, Staff and students).

• Excellent organisational skills and a track record of working effectively both independently and as part of a team

Desirable Selection criteria:

• Experience with in-vivo experimental models

Additional criteria for Research Fellow (Level B) applicants:

• Demonstrated experience managing larger research projects and staff including the ability to prioritise different work demands.

• Ability to read broadly across the scientific literature, and identify key knowledge which can be modified, adapted and implemented into research projects.

• Ability to critically analyse data, problem-solve and design robust experimental plans that confidently address project goals.

• Excellent writing and presentation skills.

Desirable Criteria (Level B)

• Demonstrated success in obtaining external funding

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing advanced molecular techniques, including molecular on/off switches or other methods for regulating transgene expression

Role Enquiries: Roger Chung, Professor of Neurobiology & Neurochemistry and Group Leader Neurobiology & Molecular Therapeutics via [email protected]
 

General Enquiries: Katherine Rodionoff, HR Consultant via [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:

09/06/2024 11:59 PM

Diversity and Inclusion

10/05/2024