The Institute for Respiratory Health (Inc) is a not-for-profit medical research institute, carrying out scientific and clinical research into the treatment and management of lung disease including asthma, allergies, lung cancer, infectious diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Within the Institute sits the Cell Biology Research Group which is led by Professor Yuben Moodley. Our Mission is that we bring together world-class researchers to develop new ideas, treatments and better health outcomes for people living with respiratory disease.

This Postdoctoral Research Scientist position requires a strong background in cellular and molecular biology and skills in bioinformatics such as analysis of omics data. Other responsibilities include project management, data presentations, grant writing, day-to-day lab maintenance, data entry and analysis. The position is a full-time, 24-month fixed-term contract.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collecting and preparing materials for research experiments

• Performing routine cellular and molecular biology procedures including, but not limited to, cloning, plasmid preparation, transfections, qPCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, gene editing, flow cytometry and cell culture including organoid formation from iPSCs

• Independently design, perform and statistically analyse experiments

• Maintenance of records and laboratory experimental records

• Liaising with the lead researcher on each project to ensure the workload is managed effectively, the quality of the data gathered is high and the analyses are accurate

• Presentation of research findings at laboratory meetings and seminars

• Preparing results for publication in peer-reviewed journals

• Assisting with preparation of grant applications

• Maintaining laboratory equipment and stocks of consumables

• Keeping laboratory protocols up to date

• Supervise Honours, masters and PhD students

• Other related duties as required

Other duties:

• Any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by line management

• Follow the Institute’s policies and support the pursuit of its objectives

• Follow all Occupational Safety & Health Regulations

Selection Criteria (Education, Knowledge and Skills required):

The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes:

Qualifications:

• PhD in Biological Sciences or a related field.

Laboratory skills:

• Significant expertise in laboratory techniques on cellular and molecular biology and cell culture:

• DNA and RNA extraction and downstream analysis including but not limited to real time PCR, RT-PCR, TaqMan assays and cell transfections

• Gene editing

• FACS, ELISA, Western blotting

• Extracting and culturing cells from lung tissue

• Confocal/fluorescence microscopy

• Bioinformatics skills (analysis and presentation of omics data)

• Accurate and up to date record keeping of laboratory methods and experimental data

Appointment Prerequisites:

• Provision of the minimum identity proofing requirements.

• Successful Criminal Record Screening Clearance.

Eligibility to Apply:

Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

For more information about the position, please contact Maike Stentenbach via email [email protected]

Applicants are advised to write a statement addressing the selection criteria in no more than 2-3 pages and provide a detailed curriculum vitae which summarises your experience and how you are able to meet the position requirements. Your resume should include the contact details of two referees.

The closing date for applications is 30th April 2025.

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. The Institute for Respiratory Health reserves the right to appoint by invitation or not to appoint.