Full time, fixed term contract for one year with a possibility of extensionBe a part of a research team who are ambitious, enthusiastic, cooperative, and dedicated group working towards finding cures for diseaseBase Salary ranging from $105,350 to $140,586 + 17% superannuationAbout the opportunityThe Sydney Pharmacy School is a globally recognised leading centre for pharmacy research and education. Our teams of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from molecules to medicines, from patient to policy, across a range of therapeutic areas.The University is seeking to employ a Post Doctoral Research Associate (Level A and or B) to join a lab led by Professor Adam Walker, which focuses on molecular, biochemical, cellular, and mouse model studies of the causes and potential treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia.This position will involve conducting and analysing experiments to understand molecular mechanisms and identify potential treatments for ALS/MND and FTD, with a focus on novel pathogenic biochemical pathways and new therapeutic avenues. The incumbent may use techniques including surgery, AAVs, and behavioural analyses for pre-clinical testing in mouse models of disease. Alternatively, the incumbent may employ advanced molecular biology and iPS cell culture systems to develop new in vitro neurodegenerative disease models and study disease-causative biological mechanisms. You will employ a range of techniques including biochemistry, cell culture, lenti-/adeno-associated viruses, immunohistochemistry, advanced molecular biology including gene editing, advanced microscopy, and analysis of human tissue samples, to identify and understand new potential therapeutic targets and to test new small molecules and gene therapies.As a Post Doctoral Research Associate, your projects will be developed to take advantage of your existing experience while allowing growth and development, with a focus on either in vivo or in vitro studies.The incumbent will be based in the newly renovated Charles Perkins Centre located on the Camperdown campus. They will work both independently and cooperatively, with access to a dedicated support network and superb neuroscience research facilities, to forge new research directions, make important discoveries, and publish high-profile findings. Support will be provided for career development and leadership opportunities.Your key responsibilities will be to:Conduct research, scholarly or professional activity, independently or as part of a team, contributing to discipline knowledgeDevelop and refine independent research skills under the supervision of more senior academic staff (with an increasing degree of autonomy)Ensure quality, standards and excellence are maintained in any research activities and outputProvide informal mentoring and advice to students and other staff within discipline (where appropriate)Employ a range of techniques such as biochemistry, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, advanced molecular biology including gene editing, advanced microscopy, animal models of neurological disorders, and analysis of human tissue samplesMaintain an understanding of the Universitys strategic agenda and contribute to furthering that agendaContribute to the strategic direction of the Faculty/School/Portfolio as articulated through the Faculty/School/Portfolios Strategic Plan/s or equivalentContribute to project design, biosafety and ethics applications, grant and funding request preparation, and reporting of findings in scientific and community foraUndertake other duties and contribute to projects appropriate within the classification level as required.About you:EssentialPhD in a relevant area of cell biology, biochemistry, neuropharmacology, or neuroscience research1 - Strong expertise in mouse models of neurological disease (such as genetically modified mouse colony management, the use of in vivo stereotaxic surgery techniques, drug administration, design and use of viruses such as AAVs, motor and behaviour studies, dissection and biochemical and histological analysis of brain and spinal cord, analysis of muscle function, and design and conduct of pre-clinical/proof-of-concept therapeutic trials)or2 - Strong expertise in molecular and cellular neuroscience (such as biochemistry, iPSC 2D/3D neuron cultures, high throughput screening, advanced molecular techniques such as CRISPR, transcriptomics and proteomics, advanced microscopy, bioinformatics and analysis/coding pipelines)Excellent attention to detail, organisational ability, and record-keeping skills with a high level of motivation, initiative, and problem-solving skillsA highly inquisitive nature and a strong desire to develop new ideas and research directions, aimed towards making high-impact findings and developing a research careerExcellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaborativelyDesirableStrong background in studies of neurodegeneration including ALS and FTDProven record of high-profile first-author publicationsRecord of success in competitive funding schemes, and prizes and awards for researchExperience in scientific presentation at an international level.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.Work RightsAustralian 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. You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply.Pre-employment checksYour 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.EEO statementAt 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 that 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 applyApplications (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.Please ensure your cover letter is clear, concise, addressing the selection criteria and states the type of employment and level in which you wish to apply.To submit an application for this role please provide the following information:1. A cover letter which includes a written response to the selection criteria (About you section) addressing your ability to meet the requirements outlined above within the context of the key responsibilities of the role (maximum 1000 words).2. Your current CV or resume, including two referees.For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rachel Ann Yazigi, Recruitment Operations by email to rachel.yazigi@sydney.edu.au. For discussion on scientific and technical aspects of the role, please contact Adam Walker by email to adam.walker@sydney.edu.au.The University of SydneyThe University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.Click to view the Position Description for this role.Applications CloseMonday 17 March 2025 11:59 PM #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neurodegenerative Disease