Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Externally Funded) at Usyd

• Full-time, 2-year fixed-term opportunity

• Join a pioneering research team as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow advancing next-generation gene therapies to transform treatment for vision loss and mitochondrial diseases

• Base Salary $127,436 - $151,328 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a strong background in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture techniques to join our multidisciplinary team. Experience with RNA technologies, genome editing, microscopy, flow cytometry, and computational tools, including AI, is advantageous. Our research group focuses on the development of novel non-viral gene therapies, including mitochondrial gene therapies for optic neuropathies, with a particular emphasis on Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON).

The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing efforts to engineer minimalistic, dumbbell-shaped DNA vectors that harness the RNA trans-splicing technology for cell type-specific gene expression and a novel mitochondrial delivery vector system to deliver therapeutic sequences into the mitochondria of human cells.

This innovative approach aims to overcome limitations of current gene therapy methods by providing safer, more targeted, and durable genetic treatments and enabling novel therapies for retinal and optic nerve diseases. In addition to research responsibilities, the postdoctoral fellow is expected to contribute to laboratory organisation and assist in the supervision and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Conduct innovative molecular biology research independently and collaboratively, focusing on the development of non-viral gene therapy technologies and mitochondrial delivery systems.

• Design and execute laboratory experiments using mammalian cell culture, RNA technologies, genome editing, and related analytical techniques.

• Publish high-quality research outcomes, present findings at conferences, and contribute to competitive research grant applications.

• Build and maintain productive collaborations with internal and external research partners, industry, and government to translate discoveries into meaningful impact.

• Support laboratory operations, provide training and informal supervision to students, and foster a safe, inclusive, and high-performing research environment.

• Contribute to the strategic objectives of the School and Faculty through active engagement in research, mentoring, and collaborative initiatives.

About you

• PhD in a relevant field with a combination of relevant training and experience.

• Proven experience conducting original research in molecular biology, gene therapy, or a closely related field, with a developing research profile and record of scholarly outputs.

• Skilled in planning, organising, and delivering complex research projects, with strong analytical, computational, and laboratory capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings effectively through presentations, publications, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

• Experience supervising and mentoring students, and contributing to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing laboratory environment.

• Developing a network of academic, industry, and professional partners, with an ability to translate research into meaningful outcomes for health and biotechnology.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

As this position is located on an NSW Health site, it is a regulatory requirement to complete compulsory employment checks prior to starting in this position. For more information and instructions, please visit: NSW Health employment requirements (Category A)

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Roshik Prasad, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

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