Postdoctoral Research Associate – Cell and Molecular BiologyFantastic opportunity to join the School of Medical Sciences as a Post-doctoral Research Associate.About the opportunityThe School of Medical Sciences is looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to join the NeuroMolecular Discovery Group to support research investigating neurodegenerative diseases. The position will be based in the Charles Perkins Centre, a state-of-the-art research facility located on the University of Sydney’s Camperdown campus.The NeuroMolecular Discovery GroupThe lab, led by Dr. Rebecca San Gil, is dedicated to discovering genes and proteins with therapeutic potential to combat neurodegenerative diseases, particularly motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia. This role presents an opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a new laboratory and work together with a team of motivated individuals to develop novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.The roleWe are seeking to appoint a Post-doctoral Research Associate with advanced skills in cell and molecular biology within the School of Medical Sciences. The postdoctoral researcher will investigate disease pathways to develop novel therapeutic strategies that target protein aggregation in neurodegenerative disease models. This will be achieved through the application of advanced CRISPR gene- and transcript-editing technologies to manipulate neuronal biochemistry and physiology, thereby enabling the generation of impactful discoveries that inform future preclinical studies.Your key responsibilities will be to :conduct high-impact research and professional activities, independently and as part of a team, to contribute to discipline knowledgedevelop and refine independent research skills under the supervision of more senior academic staffcontribute to the analysis and interpretation of data to inform future research, prepare publications, and develop grant / fellowship project proposalscommitment to maintaining research integrity and excellence in various techniques, such as cell culture, gene / transcript editing, microscopy, and other advanced molecular techniquesmaintain a continuous awareness of emerging literature relevant to the project and field of researchprovide formal / informal mentoring and advice to students within disciplinecarry out administrative tasks and contribute to faculty / school meetings and the strategic direction of the Faculty / School / Portfoliocontribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence and achieving outcomes are valued and enabledAbout youPhD in a relevant area of cell and molecular biology or neurosciencedemonstrated expertise in bacterial culture, plasmid preparation, cell culture of immortalised cells lines, culture of iPSC and iPSC-derived human neurons, transfection of cells / neurons with plasmid DNA, lentiviral particle preparation, and cell lysis for protein extraction or RNA purification.demonstrated experience with immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy (including confocal microscopy and high content systems), immunoblotting, qPCR, FACS, flow cytometry, proteomics, and transcriptomics.experience in using software for the design of plasmid DNA constructs (e.g., lentiviral or AAV backbones) for a variety of applications including over-expression of genes / proteins of interestdemonstrated experience applying DNA- and RNA-targeting CRISPR technologies for gene knockout, knockdown, activation, editing, and / or insertiondemonstrated experience using software for the statistical analysis, interpretation, and visualisation of multiparametric data (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R Studio) including proteomics, transcriptomics, and / or datasets from high content imaging.ability to work independently and multi-task experiments while meeting timelines; self-motivated and independent thinking with enthusiasm to achieve research goals; demonstrated capacity to work effectively both with or without direct supervision and as part of a team.excellent written and verbal communication, record-keeping, and organisational skillsability and willingness to learn new techniques and optimise experimental approachesawareness of laboratory safety, and occupational health and safety protocols, contributes to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies and protocols.Prior experience working in the field of neuroscience and / or neurodegeneration and / or MND and FTDExperience with neurophysiological recordings from neuronal cultures including multielectrode array (MEA)Track record of first-author publication / sParticipation and presentation in local or national symposia / conferencesAwards for research excellence or success in local or national funding schemesHow to applyApplications (including a cover letter, CV, and your responses to the “about you” section) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
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