Posting Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Ligand-gated Ion Channel Electrophysiology

• Institute for Molecular Bioscience

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 3 years

• Base salary will be in the range $110,365.29 - $130,765.78 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level B)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to engage in research to further their expertise and growing research profile to achieve national recognition in the field of ligand-gated ion channel pharmacology. Our laboratory explores peptides that modulate the activity of ion channels involved in human disease. This project focuses on characterising the interaction of peptide modulators with acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a), with a view to therapeutic development of these peptides. The candidate for this position will be involved in all aspects of the project and is expected to efficiently manage service and engagement roles and activities.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Establish a research program, collaborate on research projects, seek and manage research funding, publish in reputable journals, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise students, recruit and manage employees, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.

• Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You 

• Completion of a PhD with a focus on the interaction of peptide modulators with ligand-gated ion channels

• Expertise in two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiological characterisation of ligand-gated ion channels

• Experience with Australian quarantine regulations and quarantine material handling and processes

• Experience with Xenopus frog surgery and procurement, handling and maintenance of Xenopus oocytes

• Knowledge of the structure, function, and pharmacology of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), particularly ASIC1a

• Proficiency in analysis of electrophysiological data using GraphPad Prism

• Skilled in protein and peptide purification and analytical characterisation (liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry)

• Experience with fluorescence-based microplate cell assays

• Experience with mammalian cell culture, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation and handling, and associated in vitro assay development

• Demonstrated ability to accurately record complex data and provide detailed technical reports

• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presentations at conferences

• A commitment to participating in a diverse, equitable, inclusive and safe research laboratory environment

• Evidence of productive interactions with biotech companies

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, education check, etc. 

Work Rights: 

Visa sponsorship may be available for this appointment.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We will support you with the visa sponsorship process and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Glenn King glenn.king@imb.uq.edu.au. For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Thursday 17 October 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-42788). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Monday 21 October 2024.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com