The Postdoctoral Research Scientist reports to the Centre Co-Director (Prof James Chong) and is responsible for assisting with projects investigating heart regeneration. This will include but is not limited to the use of various stem cell populations and other regenerative medicine tools. The role will play an integral part in leading the Cardiac Regeneration laboratory’s push towards clinical translation. The broad goals of this program are to translate basic science from the cardiac regenerative field into therapeutic options for patients with heart failure. The Cardiac Regeneration laboratory works closely with the Cardiac Gene Therapy laboratory and joint projects between the groups are common. This includes being affiliated with the University of Sydney to complete this project till July 2027.

This role sits within the Cardiac regeneration group at the Centre for Heart Research and works closely with key collaborators within the Westmead campus, across Sydney/Australia and internationally. This will provide opportunities to benefit from the rich and diverse scientific environment through our institute and established collaborations. At times this research group will involve graduate students, undergraduate students and research assistants. The successful applicant will be required to provide positive mentorship.

Key areas of responsibility include:

Perform procedures for stem cell isolation, propagation/culture and cryopreservation (experience with differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells to cardiomyocytes will be advantageous).

Develop cutting-edge tools and perform analysis on these to probe pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning cardiac matrix expansion and cardiac adverse remodelling. This may involve but is not limited to imaging mass cytometry, spatial transcriptomics, single cell RNA sequencing of human and animal tissue samples.

Assist/perform in animal handling/surgery. The group utilises both small and large animal models and experience with myocardial infarction models will be advantageous.

Perform analysis requiring solid grounding in cellular and molecular biology

Maintain meticulous records for all experiments and laboratory work.

Contribute to generation of publications, grants, ethics submissions and progress reports

Strive to obtain objectives and performance measures set for the role. Participate positively in performance and development reviews.

Comply with WIMR policies and promote an environment that upholds the WIMR Code of Conduct

Other duties as assigned:

Act as a mentor and trainer to graduate and honours students.

Assist in operational activities necessary for laboratory maintenance (e.g. ordering of reagents, maintenance of reagent databases).

Performs work activities relevant to the role’s key accountabilities as approved by the Group Leader, Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following education, experience, and technical knowledge:

Experience

Suitable postgraduate degree (e.g. PhD) in Science in addition to having experience with skills/knowledge sets listed below.

Skills/Knowledge

Experience with cell culture, flow-cytometry/cell sorting, molecular biology, histology/immunohistochemistry including confocal immunofluorescence.

Experience with stem cell culture and differentiation of stem cells into cardiac lineages.

Practical experience with small and/or large animal models of cardiovascular disease is desirable

Demonstrated experience in writing research protocols and ethics applications

Behaviours/Attributes

Intellectually curious, team oriented, willing to learn and have a strong work ethic.

An ability to work well within a team and strong writing skills are essential.

About WIMR

At the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR), we focus on tackling real-world health challenges through research that leads to tangible clinical outcomes. Our work spans cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions, with the goal of turning scientific breakthroughs into treatments that improve lives.

We specialise in precision medicine, leveraging advanced technologies such as gene and cell therapies, bacteriophage and plasmid therapies, islet transplantation, bioinformatics, regenerative medicine, and genomics. Our discoveries progress to first-in-human clinical trials through partnerships with the Westmead Health Precinct and national collaborators, ensuring rapid translation into patient care. Beyond the clinic, we work closely with industry partners to bridge gaps in healthcare, ensuring that new therapies and innovations reach those who need them most, on a global scale.

Why join us?

Be part of an organisation with a strong foundation of encouraging curious, solution focused thinking and collaboration

The incredible pride that comes with supporting a team who are literally striving to change the world and save lives

Beautiful building incorporating professional café, bike storage facilities, showering facilities, world class equipment and facilities

Hybrid work arrangement (via agreement with management)

Close to public transport

Not-for-profit ability to salary sacrifice for tax benefits (increase your take home pay!)

Option for novated leasing

Paid parental leave program

Access to employee assistance program

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research is committed to workplace equity, diversity and inclusion. We value and acknowledge the importance of our people’s diverse experiences, talents and cultures that they bring to work with them each day. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of attracting and retaining talent in our workforce. The creation of a diverse and inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential, enhance our success and achieving our vision to improve health outcomes.