Post Doctoral Fellow – Sensory Physiology

Post Doctoral Fellow – Sensory Physiology

• Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
• Duration: Fixed term contract until 31^st December 2026
• Remuneration: $88K - $117K base (+17% super and leave loading)
• Location: Kensington, Sydney

The School of Biomedical Sciences

As one of the largest teaching schools at UNSW, the School of Biomedical Sciences is uniquely placed to inspire the next generation of science and medical graduates. It plays a key role in arming future doctors, health practitioners, biomedical scientists and a broader community of health professionals, each of whom will bring a specialised and diverse skill set to the frontiers of medical science.

The school holds strong cross-faculty connections with chemistry, maths, physics and engineering; along with academic staff and key partners whose work is based in the clinical or biotech space, this creates a naturally synergistic and innovative environment. School of Biomedical Sciences

Why this role matters

The Birznieks/Vickery group studies neural information encoding, tactile and auditory stimulus perception, and sensorimotor control of the hand related to object manipulation. We work primarily with human subjects and use electrophysiological techniques including microneurography (recordings from single sensory nerve fibres in humans), psychophysical methods, computational neuroscience methods, machine learning and modelling. Our studies utilise various haptic devices, and mechanical and electrical stimulators.

Key skills required:

• PhD or compatible skills in biomedical sciences or closely related area (which include engineering and computer science disciplines).
• Qualifications or demonstrated skills combining knowledge in biomedical engineering and sensory neuroscience will be considered as an advantage.
• Experience working with neurophysiological data, analysing neuronal activity and sensory information encoding in neurons.
• Experience in the field of tactile and haptics research, especially single afferent data analyses will be considered as an advantage.
• Programming experience (MATLAB).
• Some experience working with machine learning, multiple regression models and computer vision.
• Experience working with NI data acquisition cards and Arduino is an advantage.
• Experience in modelling mechanical properties of skin will be considered as an advantage.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Demonstrated experience in progressing research initiatives from inception through to publication.
• Understanding information processing principles in tactile sensory system.
• Mechanical workshop skills designing and building experimental devices, for example, by 3D printing, laser cutting are viewed as an advantage.

Full details can be found in the position description.

UNSW Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​
• Flexible working ​
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​
• Progressive HR practices​

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

How to apply:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. Please provide a resume and a cover letter briefly addressing the criteria listed in the position descriptions.

A copy of the Position Descriptions can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact:

A/Prof Ingvars Birznieks E: [email protected]

Applications close: 11^th July 2024, before 11.30pm AEST

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.