Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Molecular Bioscience

The University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience, located on the main University campus, is Australia's leading biosciences research institute. Established in 2000, the Institute is home to over 420 staff and is located in thriving Brisbane, a city consistently ranked as one of the world's most vibrant and livable cities.

The Institute, ranked in the Top 20 globally for life sciences research, pursues a multidisciplinary approach to solving some of the world's most serious challenges in the fields of health, disease and sustainable solutions for our cities, fuels and foods. The Institute is housed in a single building and is organized into technological platforms (Divisions) and research themes (Centres). The Divisions support state-of-the art facilities including the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, which houses new cryo-electron microscopes; the NMR facility containing 500, 600 and 900 MHz machines; the Mass Spectrometry Facility accommodating a wide array of instrumentation; suites for work with a variety of model organisms; a plethora of next generation DNA sequencing technologies and the southern hemispheres leading program in complex genetic traits. The Research Centres accommodate 36 groups using a combination of genomics, chemistry and cell biology to take life science discoveries from the genome to drug design and application in the areas of antimicrobial resistance, inflammation, pain, cardiovascular disease and rare and developmental diseases.

Details of the research interests of the Institute may be accessed on the Institute's website at: https://imb.uq.edu.au/.

The Institute recognises and values equity and diversity, and encourages applications from any individual who meets the requirements of this position irrespective of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age or other protected attributes.

IMB strives to provide an inclusive working environment, and along with the University is committed to supporting staff with family and caring responsibilities by providing policies, programs and initiatives to help balance work and family responsibilities.

Specific initiatives at IMB can be found at (https://imb.uq.edu.au/about/equity-and-diversity-imb).

The role

Blood vessels form complex branched networks comprised of arteries, capillaries and veins that supply oxygen and nutrients to all body tissues. Vascular outgrowth occurs through a process called sprouting angiogenesis, which is essential for laying down a functional vessel network during embryonic development. Abnormal angiogenesis is also a key factor during diseases such as cancer, diabetes and stroke. The broad aim of our lab is to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind blood vessel growth and function during development and disease.

The position is available to undertake research in the field of Vascular Cell Biology at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (http://www.imb.uq.edu.au) in the Vessel Dynamics Laboratory, supervised by Dr Emma Gordon. This research will entail multiple approaches including biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, in vivo and ex vivo models and high resolution imaging. Applicants ideally will have completed courses or training in cell biology and/or biochemistry.

The project will investigate the dynamics of cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. In order for vessels to sprout, cells in the blood vessel wall need to be able to form contacts with their neighbours and with their surrounding environment. Using cutting edge microscopy techniques and in vivo models, this project will investigate the mechanisms behind these adhesion processes in growing vessels.

The person

The successful candidate should have a PhD, majoring in cell biology and/or biochemistry or a related discipline.

You should also have a strong desire to develop a successful and highly-productive research career in the biological sciences, good general research skills, a strong methodological background, excellent statistical and analytic skills, very good writing abilities, and the capacity to work with multidisciplinary research teams.

The University of Queensland values diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Please refer to the University's Diversity and Inclusion webpage (https://staff.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/human-resources/diversity) for further information and points of contact if you require additional support.  

This role is a full-time position; however flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.

Remuneration

This is a full-time, fixed term appointment for 1 years at Academic level A. The remuneration package will be in the range $83,295- $89,285 p.a., plus employer superannuation contributions of up to 17% (total package will be in the range $97,456- $104,464 p.a.).

Enquiries

To discuss this role please contact Dr Emma Gordon on +61 7 3346 2052 or e.gordon@imb.uq.edu.au

For information on completing the application process click here.