Snow Postdoctoral Associate

• Two full time, 3 year fixed term positions available. Located on the Darlington Campus at the School of Biomedical Engineering
• Opportunity to contribute to innovative research in either mechanobiology or single-cell mass cytometry or transcriptomic profiling
• Base Salary $101K – $112K + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

Come join a groundbreaking research team in the vibrant, innovative field of biomechanical engineering! The Mechanobiology and Biomechanics Laboratory (MBL) at the University of Sydney is led by A/Prof Lining (Arnold) Ju, the first-ever engineer recipient of the historic $8 million Snow Fellowship. You can find more details about the fellowship and our project aims via the following links:

In the MBL, we are paving the way for innovative advancements in mechanobiology, with a focus on cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Leveraging a unique “4M” approach – Mechanics, Microscopy, Microfabrication & Molecular modelling, we have pioneered personalized mechanobiology technologies that could potentially revolutionize healthcare. We collaborate closely with the Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney Nano Institute, and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, putting us at the forefront of developing technologies like point-of-care microdevices, AI imaging modalities, and mechano-medicine screening platforms.

As part of this exceptional team, you will help advance single-cell mechanobiological methods for discovering molecular mechanisms behind the mechanical force sensing of platelets, neutrophils, and red blood cells. This position is a unique opportunity to contribute to a project that combines biomechanical force probe (BFP)/micropipette, optical tweezers technology with organ-on-chip, 3D vascular bioprinting, proteomic and transcriptomic profiling on prothrombotic phenotypes in patients with aging, diabetes, obesity or even astronauts and fighter jet pilots who experience extreme mechanical and aerodynamic condition for future Space Mechanobiology.

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a PostdoctoralResearch Associate who has:

• a PhD in a relevant field specifically one of the followings: 1) single-molecule biophysics and biophotonic instrumentation, 2) Single-cell mass cytometry and transcriptome profiling; 3) Single-cell mechanobiology, with a strong hands-on PC1 and PC2 lab experience including a body of biological work published in peer reviewed journals. Applicants who have submitted their PhD for examination or will do so in the immediate future can be considered
• experience in 2D cell culture, 3D spheroid/organoid culture, biomaterial development, flow cytometry, fluorescent and confocal microscopy operation and imaging
• experience in operating single molecule biophysical nanotools such as micropipette aspiration, optical tweezers, patch clamping, traction force microscopy, acoustic force microscopy and equipvalent commercial instruments.
• some knowledge and interest in programming, e.g. familiarity with using two or more of Labview, AutoCAD, MATLAB, ANSYS, COMSOL, SolidWorks, MD simulation or molecular modeling software e.g. GROMACS, NAMD, and other engineering and physics software;
• outstanding interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and the ability to conduct high quality research with increasing independence and to present that work in an engaging way.

Candidates who demonstrate the following criteria will be highly regarded:

• capabilities in independent microdevice instrumentation, e.g. instrumenting or operating optical tweezers, micropipette aspiration systems, patch clamping, micromanipulation and microinjection systems, or other biophysical experimental devices such as rheometers and parallel plate flow chambers and microfluidic system
• expertise and experience in single-cell mass cytometry and transcriptome profiling approaches such as single-cell RNA sequencing or proteomic analyses from primary tissues and blood samples.
• solid basic knowledge of cell biology and hands-on experience in PC2 biological laboratory, using flow cytometer, cell culture, ELISA, protein coating, conjugation, protein-protein interaction assays, protein/antibody labelling and functional characterization

Of particular interest are candidates who demonstrate a passion in system automation control using Labview or equivalent system control software and an interest in artificial intelligence assisted image data analysis.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

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.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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 LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please attach a cover letter to your application, outlining your suitability for the role.

Documents can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

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For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin, Recruitment Consultants at [email protected]

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Applications Close

Wednesday 18 October 2023 11:59 PM