Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Join a university ranked in the world's top 50
Genuine career progression opportunities via our academic promotions process
Educate future generations & create an exceptional student experience
Based at St Lucia Campus
As part of the UQ community, you'll 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.
As part of our commitment to research excellence, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and post-fellowship contracts via our UQ Amplify initiative.
At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. Not only do we have one of the largest PhD enrolments in Australia, but we have also made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.
About This OpportunityThis is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to focus their efforts on developing their expertise and emerging research profile in peptide chemistry and ion channel biology. Our laboratory explores the venoms of arthropod predators to discover peptides that modulate the activity ion channels involved in human disease.
This project focuses on targeting ion channels found in pain-sensing nerve fibres that innervate the gut. The candidate for this position will be involved in all aspects of the project and will be expected to contribute to publications and applications for competitive research funding.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Research
Synthesis, folding and purification of disulfide-rich peptides, including those with non-native amino acid residues
Development of peptide structure-function relationships
Electrophysiological analysis of peptide activity against a range of voltage-gated ion channels, including measurement of peptide potency and kinetics of interaction
Culture of mammalian cell lines
Design and conduct independent experiments under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.
Preparation of research publications and progress reports. Participation in meetings to discuss project objectives, methodology and outcomes.
Maintain experimental record keeping of projects, whilst demonstrating autonomy and personal initiative to assist with laboratory organisation and documentation.
Produce quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high-quality outlets.
Participate in applications for competitive research funding support.
Work with colleagues and postgraduates in the development of interdisciplinary joint research projects.
2. Supervision and Researcher Development
Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students (as appropriate).
Demonstrates personal effectiveness in supervision and the management of researcher development.
Effective lead and develop supervisee performance and conduct by providing feedback, coaching, and professional development.
As appropriate, manage research support staff effectively throughout the employee lifecycle in accordance with University policy and procedures.
Working to promptly resolve conflict and grievances when they arise in accordance with University policy and procedures.
3. Citizenship and Service
Demonstrate citizenship behaviours that align to the UQ values.
Provide support to other academic positions and unit operations as needed during other team members absences.
Contribute to internal service roles and administrative processes as required, including participation in decision-making and service on relevant committees.
Collaborate in service activities external to the immediate organisation unit.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ's Criteria for Academic Performance.
This is a full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 1 year. Academic level A the full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $74,308.68 - $99,426.59, plus a generous super allowance of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be up to $86,941.16 - $116,329.11 annually. As this role is covered by an Enterprise Agreement, you will also receive regular remuneration increases – at least once a year.
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, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
About YouCompletion of a PhD with a focus on peptide chemistry or a related area
An emerging profile in research in the discipline area
Skilled in microwave-assisted solid-phase peptide synthesis of disulfide- rich peptides
Skilled in folding and purification of disulfide-rich peptides, especially reversed-phase HPLC
Experience with development of peptide structure-function relationships
Experience with handling and HPLC fractionation of animal venoms
Skilled in culture of stable mammalian cell lines
Skilled in automated patch-clamp electrophysiology.
Experience with the Sophion QPatch 16X system is highly desirable
Deep knowledge of the structure and function of voltage-gated sodium channels
Experience with use of NMR spectroscopy for determining peptide 3D structure
Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presentations at peptide conferences
A commitment to participating in a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and safe research laboratory environment.
In addition, the following mandatory requirements apply:
Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Background Checks: All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Glenn King ([email protected])
For application queries, please contact [email protected] 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
At UQ we know that our greatest strengths come from our diverse mix of colleagues, this is reflected in our ongoing commitment to creating an environment focused on equity, diversity and inclusion. We ensure that we are always attracting, retaining and promoting colleagues who are representative of the diversity in the broader community, whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to [email protected]
If you are a current employee (including casual staff and HDR scholars) or hold an unpaid/affiliate appointment, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.
Applications close Thursday 30 November 2023 at 11.00pm AEST (R-32260)