Post-Doctoral Fellow in Advanced Biomedical Microscopy

Apply now Job no:521572
Work type:full time
Location:Sydney, NSW
Categories:Post Doctoral Research Associate

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

About UNSW Department of Molecular Medicine:

The Department of Molecular Medicine aims to pair the brightest minds with the best research infrastructure under a tailored mentoring approach. In research our core vision is to integrate across the scales how processes at the molecular level – the ‘bottom-up’ perspective of single-molecule research – drive function at the systems level – the ‘top-down’ perspective of cell biology and physiology. 

In line with the Health25 strategy, the Department of Molecular Medicine places the wellbeing and success of our people at the heart of our work. In doing so, we aim to foster a vibrant and inclusive research environment.

We have a significant international footprint with numerous links to world class institutions and researchers. Our activities not only address biomedical problems – including force sensing in pain, immune cell swarming in cancer, subversion of innate immunity by HIV or SARS-CoV-2, and protein aggregation in Parkinson’s disease – but also aim to drive technological advances, such as future approaches to DNA-sequencing, cutting-edge microscopy techniques, and novel methods of data analysis.

About UNSW:

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 50 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

About the Role:

• Employment Type: Full Time
• Duration: Fixed Term Contract for 3 years until 28 Feb 2027
• Remuneration: $106,337 + 17% superannuation + leave loading
• Location: Kensington campus in Sydney, NSW

Why Your Role Matters:

We seek a Post-doctoral Fellow (Level A) to lead the nanoscale mapping of protein structure and conformations using single molecule localisation microscopy. The objective of this position is to lead the development single molecule imaging protocols, a novel optical instrument, and experimental and data pipelines to image single proteins in situ and in vitro at nanometre-scale resolution. You will work with a team of biophysicists, molecular and computational biologists embedded in the EMBL node for single molecule science (https://sms.unsw.edu.au/) within the Department of Molecular Medicine of UNSW.

A Post-Doctoral Fellow (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to their field of research. The role of Post-Doctoral Fellow reports to Associate Professor Izzy Jayasinghe and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Lead the development of a novel localisation microscopy platform, leveraging bespoke components and advanced manufacturing methods such as 3D printing.
• Establish the image acquisition and data analysis pipeline to enable high-fidelity localisation of molecular and sub molecular targets.
• Benchmark novel imaging probes that pivot on the concept of Point Accumulation In Nanoscale Topography (PAINT)
• Plan and carry out the primary image acquisition, image analysis and reconstruction using multiplexed PAINT. You will also be expected to perform data curation and validation of resolution and probe specificity in the samples.
• Take the initiative in preparing high quality and timely research publication s from specific work packages of the project.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct .
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful for this role you will have:

PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, or allied discipline and relevant work experience.

• Demonstrable experience in high-resolution or super-resolution microscopy methods (ideally, localization microscopy) and quantitative image analysis is essential.
• Experience in chemically-enhanced super-resolution techniques such as expansion microscopy (ExM) or variations of ExM are desirable.
• Experience in microscopy data acquisition protocols (e.g. Micromanager, Python Microscopy Environment) and programming (e.g. Matlab, Python) is desirable.
• Evidence of experience in developing and/or building optical microscopy instruments towards single molecule imaging is highly desirable.
• A track record or trajectory in scientific problem-solving, independent working and leading projects towards high quality publications is expected.
• Strong academic writing and data analysis skills are essential.
• Strong communication skills in presenting scientific findings, leading discussions, and coordinating with team members are essential.
• Track record of working collegially in a team, including supervising and training other team members, PhD, Masters, and/or undergraduate students is desirable.
• A commitment to inclusive and equitable conduct in the workplace, upholding the highest standards of health & safety, and working with integrity is essential.
• Experience in using advanced manufacturing methods such as lithography, 3D printing, micropatterning is desirable, but not essential.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include: 

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

How to Apply:

Please apply online with your CV and a statement addressing the selection criteria (these are listed below the Skills and Experience in the Position Description). A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Applications close:  Monday 12th February 2024 at 11:55pm (Sydney time).

Please note that sponsorship for this position can be offered to the right candidate.

Get in Touch:

Anabel Wason

Talent Acquisition Consultant

[email protected]

Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Advertised:15 Jan 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:12 Feb 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time