Advance groundbreaking neurodegenerative disease research with Macquarie University! We're seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in cellular and molecular neurotherapeutics to develop cutting-edge treatments for Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and dementia. Join a leading research centre, collaborate with leading experts, and drive meaningful impact in translational neuroscience.

• Salary Package: From $106,089 - $113,697 (Level A) p.a., plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Appointment Type: Full-time, fixed term position for 2 years.
• Location: Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre at Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus (North Ryde).

About the Role
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PhD qualified) with a background in cell biology and protein chemistry technologies (such as immunofluorescence microscopy, western blots, and immunoprecipitations) and/or molecular neurosciences. Our research group is focused on developing therapeutics and translational research in neurodegenerative diseases including motor neuron disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and dementias. Therefore, a desirable requirement is experience (or personal interest) in research in these diseases. This position offers excellent research opportunities in an experienced research group based within the Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre at Macquarie University, which is one of the University-level Research Centres.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a background in cell biology and protein chemistry, particularly with experience in molecular neuroscience. The successful candidate will work closely with the Molecular Therapeutics team and the wider Motor Neuron Disease Research Teams to contribute and assist in research work relating to development of new therapies and identifying new mechanisms of disease for MND/dementia.

About You
You are a passionate and organised researcher with a strong background in cellular and molecular neuroscience. You take initiative in research project tasks, actively participate in group analysis and oversee laboratory activities with precision. You are detail oriented, producing high quality, accurate work. You thrive both independently and as part of a team.

You have strong problem solving, communication, writing and presentation skills, and are proficient in 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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Selection Criteria (Essential):

• A PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, protein chemistry, 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.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience with human pluripotent stem cell lines as well as neural differentiation.
  
  
• Experience in mammalian cell biology techniques including cell culture maintenance, transfections and transductions, DNA cloning, western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, live-cell imaging and/or immunoprecipitations.
  
  
• Immunofluorescence image analysis.
  
  
• Recognised contributions to the preparation and analysis of high-quality research data, drafting reports and manuscripts for presentation and publication, relative to experience.
  
  
• Provide mentoring and/or teaching to postgraduate or undergraduate research students or projects where appropriate.

Desired Skills:

• Experience in computational image analysis and/or RNA-sequencing bioinformatics.
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Access outstanding Early Career Researcher support networks.
  
  
• Contribute to innovative translational research focused on developing a gene therapy
  
  
• Work on projects that have a real-world impact on neurodegenerative disease treatment.

How To Apply
To be considered for this position, please submit:

• CV
  
  
• A Cover Letter addressing how you meet the Selection Criteria
  
  
• Contact information of 2 referees (or provide them upon request)

For role specific enquiries, contact Dr. Jennilee Davidson - Macquarie University Research Fellow & ALS Scholar in Therapeutics at [email protected]

General Recruitment Enquiries: Please contact Mirna Alaaiddin, Talent Acquisition Officer, at [email protected]

Note: We welcome applications from international candidates.

*** As part of the University's recruitment process, successful candidates will be required to undergo an academic qualification check to verify their PhD credentials as well as comply with any other backgrounds checks that may be required such as a criminal history check.

Application Closing Date: Friday 28 March 2025 at 11:59PM (AEDT)

*** Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

Diversity and Inclusion

Innovation and ingenuity thrive at Macquarie University when diversity, equity and inclusion take centre stage. At the University, we embrace a culture where diversity of background, experience and perspective are fundamental to our success.

We do not discriminate on gender identity, age, culture, disability, sexuality, Indigeneity, family and caring responsibilities or religion. See our journey towards leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education.

Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub.