Opportunity for an experienced postdoctoral researcher with strong background in Chemistry and a keen interest in Drug Discovery and Neuroscience at the Dementia Research Centre.
Salary Package : From $106,089 - $113,697 (PhD, Level A, Step 6 - 8) p.a., plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
Appointment Type: Fixed Term employment for 12 months (with possible extension contingent to funding available )
Location: Macquarie University (Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde)
Seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to drive a FightMND funded project aiming to develop diagnostic and therapeutic agents to improve treatment outcomes for Motor Neuron Disease (MND). This project aims to develop peptides as radiotracers for the diagnosis of MND in human trials.
The Role
The Dementia Research Centre is seeking an experienced and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong background in Chemistry & Drug Discovery and an interest in the fields of neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases to work in the Chemistry Group under the supervision of Dr Ole Tietz. This work will integrate with ongoing research of the Dementia Research Centre using peptides for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The role requires a high degree of independency in experimental planning and execution, data analysis and reporting. The successful candidate will present the data at scientific conferences, prepare manuscripts towards publications in scientific journals and actively contribute to grant and fellowship applications to support the research program. There will be opportunities for contributing to teaching and organizational committees.
The researcher will develop new peptide sequences to target misfolding proteins that characterize MND and further functionalize these for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The primary goal of this research is to develop a positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand for the diagnosis and staging of MND. The role will be required to peptide sequences for in vivo application and radiolabelling with appropriate positron emitting radioisotope. The researcher will also be required to perform pre-clinical validation of agents in cell culture and MND mouse models. This project aims to demonstrate pre- clinical efficacy and safety profile required for advancing to first in human trials.
Specific role requirements:
Peptide design and synthesis using automated solid phase peptide synthesis and chemical modification or peptides post-synthesis.
Purification and characterization of peptides using HPLC and LCMS.
Develop assays to determine binding affinity of novel peptides to molecular targets.
Establish radiolabelling protocols and conduct routine synthesis of radioligands.
Administer and test peptides in a range of mouse models. This includes testing, sample collection and monitoring of mice and analysis of data.
Analyse biological samples using biochemical and histological techniques, including microscopy.
Record keeping of experiments and data. Preparation of internal and external presentations and reports.
About You
You have worked in drug discovery and chemical synthesis, and you are interested in a new challenge by bringing your expertise to a multidisciplinary team in neuroscience, to develop new diagnostics and treatments for battling MND. You will have an in-depth knowledge and experience in medicinal chemistry or peptide synthesis and be familiar with cell culture techniques, laboratory animals, and preclinical imaging. You would have made significant contributions to your field of research with several impactful publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Your track record makes you a likely candidate for obtaining grants and fellowships in the future. You will enjoy working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will also be an excellent communicator with high-quality interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
About Us
The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) is ambitiously pushing the boundaries of progressive thinking and challenging what's possible to solve some of the big issues of our time, both nationally and on a global scale. The Faculty forms part of MQ Health, an integrated academic health sciences enterprise which incorporates Macquarie University Hospital and primary and speciality clinics. We have active research programs in neurosciences, health systems and patient safety research, cancer medicine, and clinical sciences, amongst others. We foster a values-based culture of innovation and creativity to achieve excellence in teaching and to enhance the research performance of the University. We invest in developing the careers and wellbeing of our students and staff and expect all our leaders to live our values of Caring, Integrity, Teamwork, Ambition, Innovation, and Engagement.
Within the Faculty, the Dementia Research Centre provides an environment for innovative, interdisciplinary research for dementia and other neurological conditions, using and developing state-of-the-art technologies to advance basic discoveries towards translation into clinical treatments. The Dementia Research Centre is committed to providing a unique and supportive mentoring program to allow the growth of future leaders for dementia research.
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation 54 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we've grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today and learn more about the Dementia Research Centre.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach your resume and a separate cover letter (2-page maximum) that outlines how you meet to the selection criteria below:
Essential Criteria:
Core Criteria:
Proven experience in chemical synthesis, such as organic synthesis, medicinal Chemistry, peptide Chemistry, and/or radiochemistry.
Proven experience in analytical techniques, such as HPLC, LCMS, and NMR.
Proven experience in functional characterization of novel chemical agents in cellular assays.
Proven experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
Proven experience with handling laboratory animals and preclinical imaging.
A strong record of contributions to peer reviewed publications and history of research excellence, relative to experience and opportunity.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to prepare reports and manuscripts for publication in high impact quality journals.
Proven ability to conduct research independently and as part of a team
Computer skills including MS Office, research and database management and research software (such as EndNote and statistical software packages).
Experience working in a research laboratory including knowledge of relevant regulations, ethics and guidelines.
This position requires criminal record and qualifications checking.
Please note that this position is not available for visa sponsorship and the successful applicant must have work rights in Australia.
Specific Role Enquiries: Dr Ole Tietz, Dementia Research Centre, [email protected]
General Enquiries: Amie Law, Dementia Research Centre, [email protected]
Applications Close : Sunday, 8 September 2024
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
08/09/2024 11:59 PM
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