Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Queensland Brain Institute

The Queensland Brain Institute works to understand the development, organisation and function of the brain. We aim to understand the neural circuits in the brain, how their function results in behavioural outcomes, and how dysfunction of these circuits leads to disorders such as dementia, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. We aim to (1) Develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat disorders of neural function and (2) Use our understanding of brain function to improve learning in classrooms and in the workplace.

Established in 2003, QBI ( www.qbi.uq.edu.au ) is housed on the St Lucia campus of UQ. It is home to more than 450 staff and students, including 41 group leaders.

About This Opportunity

This position will involve conducting research on insects, primarily using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.

Key day to day responsibilities will include:

• Designing paradigms to study visual attention, action selection, and learning in tethered walking in Drosophila preparations.
• Designing electrophysiology paradigms to interface with the above.
• Writing code for the analysis of behaviour and electrophysiology results.
• Preparing results for presentation and write research papers for publication.

The research will be in the laboratory of Assoc/Prof Bruno van Swinderen , but will involve collaboration with Assoc/Prof Karin Nordstrom (Flinders University).

This position is located at our picturesque St Lucia campus , renowned as one of Australia's most attractive university campuses, and located just 7km from Brisbane's city centre. Bounded by the Brisbane River on three sides, and with outstanding public transport connections, our 114-hectare site provides a perfect work environment - you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a vibrant campus with the tradition of an established university.

Our Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this appointment, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Completion (or near completion) of a PhD in neuroscience, genetics, or other related field.
• Experience conducting behavioural research with insects.
• Ability to work independently and creatively, as well as to articulate ideas and to write clearly.
• Expertise in Matlab or Python coding.
• Awareness of laboratory safety, occupational health and safety protocols.
• Evidence of a contribution to research, including successful external grant applications.

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 .

What We Can Offer

This is a full-time, fixed term position until the end of 2020 at Research Academic level A.

The base salary will be in the range $67,542 - $90,982, plus super of up to 17%. The total package will be in the range $79,024 - $106,295.

New to UQ? You will be able to take advantage of UQ Sport Facilities , recreation leave loading, salary sacrificing options, on-campus childcare, discounted private health insurance, cheap parking, development programs and many other benefits.

For further information, please review The University of Queensland's Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018-2021 .

Questions?

To discuss this role please contact Associate Professor Bruno van Swinderen .

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