Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Sydney • Full-time • Australia • A$ 105.31k / year • 1w ago

Full time, 3-month fixed term contract
Contribute to an internationally-recognised research laboratory
Base Salary starting from $ 105,314 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Cardiometabolic Medicine group is an internationally-recognised research laboratory with true bench to bedside capability. We focus on the bioenergetics of heart failure and cardiomyopathy, and have a program of preclinical models, an ex vivo beating heart program, an ex vivo beating human heart tissue slices, primary cardiomyocytes, heart failure clinics, and clinical trials. We sit within The School of Medical Sciences, which is recognised as one of the leading centres for medical science education in the world. Our team of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from molecules to medicines, from patient to policy across a range of therapeutic areas.

We are currently seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on an exciting new avenue of research based on an exciting discovery with potential to fundamentally shift our understanding of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This discovery relates to an interaction of maternal dietary saccharide exposure the heart’s most plastic phase – in utero development. We are working with the world’s largest cohort of maternal dietary intervention and study of cardiovascular life course and outcomes.

Our research labs integrate insights from pre-clinical mouse models and extensive clinical cohorts, employing cutting-edge tools and methodologies to explore the intricate relationships between maternal nutrition, in utero heart development, and long-term cardiac health outcomes.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

Conduct research, scholarly or professional activity, independently or as part of a team, contributing to discipline knowledge
Develop and refine independent research skills under the supervision of more senior academic staff
Provide informal mentoring and advice to students within discipline
Carry out administrative tasks and contribute to faculty/school meetings
Contribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence and achieving outcomes are valued and enabled
Understand and contribute to furthering the university and faculty/school strategic agenda
Undertake other duties and contribute to projects appropriate within the classification level as required.

About you

A PhD degree in Nutrition, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field
Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, DNA/RNA isolation and purification, and sequencing
Proficiency with small animal handling and experimental techniques including gene transfer
Experience with the use of recombinant viral vectors (such as lentivirus or AAV) to modulate expression of target genes in vivo and ex vivo, primary and continuous cell line culture, molecular biology methods for DNA, RNA, and protein, cell/tissue imaging and flow cytometry are highly desirable
Experience in utilizing molecular biology software and tools for sequence analysis
A strong understanding of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and siRNA knock-down techniques and their application in research is desirable
Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to interpret results, troubleshoot issues, optimize procedures and build effective relationships
Document and report findings in a clear and organized manner
Generate publications, abstracts, progress reports in relation to the described experimental work with assistance, to write and submit research grant proposals and fellowship applications for funding
Experience in writing grants and a proven track record in obtaining funding would be highly desirable.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

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 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 LGBTIQ+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold 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 Rachel Ann Yazigi Recruitment Operations by email to rachel.yazigi@sydney.edu.au.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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Applications Close

Sunday 27 July 2025 11:59 PM