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Postdoctoral Research Associate

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PRIMARY DETAIL

Join a leading dementia research team to uncover the role of interneuron populations in Alzheimer’s disease!

- Salary Package: From $106,089 - $113,697 (Level A, Step 6 - 8 -applicable to candidates who have been awarded a PhD) p.a., plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
- Appointment Type: Fixed Term employment for 12 months (with possible extension contingent to funding available)
- Location: Macquarie University (Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde)

The Role
The Dementia Research Centre is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a strong track record and interest in neuroscience to lead a NHMRC-funded project aimed at investigating the role of Interneurons in Alzheimer’s disease. The successful candidate will test newly generated AAV constructs in a wide range of in vivo models, followed by behavioural testing, sample collection and in depths analysis utilising molecular and cellular biology techniques. Additional responsibilities include maintaining and managing a large mouse colony and contributing to manuscript preparation and conference presentations.

This role requires significant independence in experimental planning and execution, data analysis, and reporting while offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Specific role requirements:

Administer and test AAVs in various mouse models to dissect the role of interneurons in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, including behavioural testing, monitoring of mice and analysis of data.

Experience in mammalian cell biology techniques including cell culture maintenance, transfections and transductions, DNA cloning, western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, live-cell imaging and/or immunoprecipitations.

Conduct molecular biology experiments such as: RT-PCR, DNA/RNA extractions, molecular cloning and modification of DNA plasmids.

Maintain and monitor a large mouse colony to a high standard. This includes setting up of breeding pairs, monitoring pregnancies, weaning offspring, tissue harvesting, record keeping and genotyping of mice.

Contribute to manuscript preparation for publication and present findings at scientific conferences.

About You

You are a highly motivated researcher with experience working with laboratory animals and a strong interest in using these models to test and assess novel AAV-based constructs to investigate the role of specific interneuron populations in Alzheimer's disease.

Experience with behavioural, biochemical, and histological analysis in
rodents is highly desirable.

You demonstrate initiative and independence, with the ability to drive projects to completion. You work effectively both autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team. You also have a strong publication record, experience presenting at scientific conferences, and excellent time and project management skills to meet tight deadlines and milestones.

Your exceptional communication and interpersonal skills enable you to
collaborate successfully with internal and external stakeholders across all levels.

About Us
The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) is ambitiously pushing the boundaries of progressive thinking and challenging what’s possible to solve some of the big issues of our time, both nationally and on a global scale. The Faculty forms part of MQ Health, an integrated academic health sciences enterprise which incorporates Macquarie University Hospital and primary and specialty clinics. We have active research programs in neurosciences, health systems and patient safety research, cancer medicine, and clinical sciences, amongst others. We foster a values-based culture of innovation and creativity to achieve excellence in teaching and to enhance the research performance of the University. We invest in developing the careers and wellbeing of our students and staff and expect all our leaders to live our values of Caring, Integrity, Teamwork, Ambition, Innovation, and Engagement.

Within the Faculty, the Dementia Research Centre provides an environment for innovative, interdisciplinary research for dementia and other neurological conditions, using and developing state-of-the-art technologies to advance basic discoveries towards translation into clinical treatments. The Dementia Research Centre is committed to providing a unique and supportive mentoring program to allow the growth of future leaders for dementia research. This position provides a unique opportunity to develop advanced technical skills while making a meaningful contribution to understanding neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.

Join us and make a positive difference to the lives of people living with Dementia.

As part of Macquarie University, a globally engaged institution, we are committed to solving the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today and learn more about the Dementia Research Centre.

To Apply
To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach your resume and a separate cover letter (2-page maximum) that outlines how you meet the selection criteria below:

Essential Criteria

PhD in Neuroscience, Medical Science, Cell Biology or a closely related discipline; ideally with a focus on neurological disorders and/or neurodegeneration.

Experience with handling and characterisation of laboratory rodents, particularly behavioural analysis. Experience with administrating reagents to rodents via various methods and routes, as well as the maintenance and care of large mouse colonies and associated animal ethics is highly desirable.

Experience with biochemical and histological analysis of biological samples, including protein extraction, western blotting, immunofluorescent staining, RT-PCR.

A strong record of contributions to peer reviewed publications and track record of research excellence, relative to experience and opportunity.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to prepare reports and publish in high impact quality journals.

Desirable Criteria

Experience with rodent microsurgeries e.g. stereotaxic injections.

Experience with culturing and analysis of various cell lines and types.

Experience in the use of AAVs for various in vivo and/or in vitro research experiments.

Experience with molecular biology and cloning.

Experience with a range of microscopy techniques.

This position requires the successful candidate to undergo a criminal history check, qualifications check, and any relevant immunisation/ vaccinations checks appropriate to the nature of the role.

*Important note: This position is not available for visa sponsorship and the successful applicant must have valid work rights in Australia.

Specific Role Enquiries:

Dr Magdalena Przybyla, Dementia Research Centre atmMagdalena.przybyla@mq.edu.au
Amie Law, Dementia Research Centre at dementia@mq.edu.au

General recruitment enquiries: Mirna Alaaiddin – Talent Acquisition Officer at mirna.alaaiddin@mq.edu.au

Application Closing Date: Monday, 5 May 2025 at 11:59 PM (AEST)

***We reserve the right to progress or decline applications prior to the closing date, and close the advertisement prior to the listed closing date.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

05/05/2025 11:59 PM

Diversity and Inclusion

Innovation and ingenuity thrive at Macquarie University when diversity, equity and inclusion take centre stage. At the University, we embrace a culture where diversity of background, experience and perspective are fundamental to our success.

We do not discriminate on gender identity, age, culture, disability, sexuality, Indigeneity, family and caring responsibilities or religion. See our journey towards leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub.

Average salary estimate

$109893 / YEARLY (est.)

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What You Should Know About Postdoctoral Research Associate, MQ

Join the leading dementia research team at Macquarie University as a Postdoctoral Research Associate! This exciting opportunity invites you to dive deep into the investigation of interneuron populations in Alzheimer’s disease. As part of a dynamic and collaborative environment at the Wallumattagal Campus in North Ryde, you will work on a NHMRC-funded project that aims to uncover the complexities of Alzheimer's through innovative methodologies. Your role will involve conducting a variety of in vivo studies, including the administration of AAV constructs, behavioral testing, and meticulous data analysis using advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques. Not only will you manage and maintain a large mouse colony, but you'll also contribute to the scientific community through manuscript preparations and presentations at conferences. Ideal candidates will possess a PhD with a focus in neuroscience and demonstrate great initiative and independence, as well as excellent communication skills. This is more than just a position; it’s a chance to make a genuine impact in the realm of neurodegenerative research and contribute to significant advancements in the understanding of dementia. With a competitive salary and a commitment to fostering your professional growth, Macquarie University is the place for you to take your career to new heights while paving the way for innovation in health sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Postdoctoral Research Associate Role at MQ

What are the responsibilities of a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Macquarie University?

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Macquarie University, your core responsibilities include conducting experiments focused on the role of interneurons in Alzheimer’s disease. You'll be testing AAV constructs in various in vivo models, performing behavioral testing, collecting samples, and analyzing data with molecular and cellular biology techniques. You’ll also maintain a large mouse colony and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication and presentations at scientific conferences, facilitating a collaborative research culture.