Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Brain Organoids and Epilepsy

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE FOR BIOENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY (AIBN)

THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND, BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

About This Opportunity

This postdoctoral research position at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) will involve the generation, genetic manipulation, scRNAseq and electrophysiological analysis of human stem cell derived brain organoids derived from drug responsive and drug resistant epilepsy patients with aim of understanding the molecular bases of epilepsy, identification of personalized drug regimes and in depth understanding of the molecular drivers of drug resistance.

Key responsibilities include:

Research

• Interrogation of drivers of epilepsy phenotypes in in vitro human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based organoids and 2D neurons.
• Develop novel solutions to decode and manipulate the drivers of epilepsy in these models.
• Perform high throughput drug testing on drug-resistant and drug-responsive epilepsy patient derived brain organoids via multielectrode arrays.
• Conduct outstanding research and publish in high impact scholarly papers.
• Secure independent funding for further expansion of the research portfolio.
• Assist and contribute to other projects within the research team.
• Assist in the supervision and training of research higher degree students.

Service and Engagement

• Foster the Centre’s relations with UQ partner Institutes, industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community.
• Any other duties as reasonably directed by your supervisor.

About You

• PhD and expertise in one or more of the following areas - Neuroscience; Human stem cell biology (pluripotent, iPSC).
• Advanced molecular biology skills.
• CRISPR genome engineering.
• Electrophysiology and multielectrode array.
• ScRNAseq and associated data analysis.
• Evidence of a contribution to research, including successful external grant/fellowship applications and a publications record.
• An ability to establish effective relationships and to represent and promote academic discipline at a university and wider community level, including industry, government and professional bodies.
• Strong motivation with the ability to work independently and design / interpret experiments, with excellent organisational skills.
• Highly developed team work and communication skills including excellent written and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience with high-end microscopy and imaging tools and associated analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with brain organoid engineering and/or deep understanding of neural developmental processes.
• Demonstrated experience with high throughput drug screening and molecular profiling.

What We Can Offer

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for up to two years at Academic Level A.

The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range AUD$72,144 - $96,530 plus super of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be in the range AUD$84,408 - $112,940 per annum.

The following flexible employment options may be available for this role: Part time/job share; some working from home; variable start or finish times; compressed hours; purchased leave; flex-time. 

For further information about UQ’s benefits, please visit Why Work at UQ and review The University of Queensland's Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018-2021.

Questions?

To discuss this role please contact Professor Ernst Wolvetang: e.wolvetang@uq.edu.au.

For application queries, please contact recruitment@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

To submit an application for this role, go to the UQ Careers portal and use the Apply button.

All applicants must supply the following documents:

• Cover letter addressing Selection Criteria
• Resume

To satisfy prerequisite questions and ensure your application can be considered in full, all candidates must apply via the UQ Careers portal by the job closing deadline. Applications received via other channels, including direct email, will not be accepted.

About The Selection Process

The University of Queensland is committed to ensuring all candidates are provided with the opportunity to attend the panel interviews, however, for those candidates who are unable to attend in person, video interview options will be available.

Other Information 

Visa sponsorship maybe available, however Australian on shore and New Zealand applicants will be priorities.

The University of Queensland believes in maintaining a safe work environment for all, which is why we have introduced a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that all staff be fully vaccinated, subject to limited exemptions.

We value diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage contains further information if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to recruitment@uq.edu.au.

Applications close: 23 June 2022

Job No: R-09895