Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Cell Migration Modelling

• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

Work with the Stehbens Group at AIBN, to conduct molecular, biochemical and live-cell imaging experiments of cell culture models of cell migration, with a focus on the microtubule cytoskeleton and microfluidic assays. You will also perform analysis and optimisation of models in the lab.

At this level it is expected that you will contribute to student supervision, service and engagement roles and activities and apply to independent funding opportunities.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Research:

• Design and conduct independent experiments under the guidance of the Lab Head.
• Perform immunofluorescence analyses and live-cell imaging of 2D and 3D cell culture and co-culture models using a variety of optical imaging approaches (Confocal, spinning disc confocal, super resolution techniques).
• Proficiency in optogenetics.
• Knowledge of cytoskeletal and mechanobiology.
• Proficiency in molecular biology skills (PCR, cloning, sequencing), micropatterning, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
• Experience in generating multispectral cell lines expressing lentiviral generated plasmids (lentiviral packaging, FACS).
• Perform analysis of imaging data using available software packages (i.e., IMARIS, FIJI/ImageJ). Presentation of data in Adobe Illustrator for publication purposes. 
• Maintain experimental record keeping of projects.
• Develop experimental designs to achieve project goals.
• Show autonomy and personal initiative to assist with the organisation (documentation), structure (SOPs), and experimental scope (technical capacity) of the cell biology modelling capabilities under the supervision, support, and approval of the lab head.
• Work with colleagues in the development of joint research projects and applications for competitive research funding support.
• Willingness to participate in international training opportunities (visits to collaborator laboratories)
• Other duties as assigned by the lab director.

Administration: Produce detailed documentation of experiments and results; maintain accurate and up to date laboratory book records; assist in lab organisational tasks (data base maintenance); other duties to support the research group as required.

Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to supervision of students, recruit and manage employees, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.

Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance .

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You 

• Completion of a PhD in Molecular Bioscience, and/or Cell Biology.
• An emerging profile in research in the discipline area.
• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.
• Experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities
• Emerging track record in supervision of undergraduate students

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia and qualifications. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements. 

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Samantha Stehbens - s.stehbens@uq.edu.au

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au , stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
 

Want to Apply? 

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion , fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au .

Other Information 

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion , fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au . 

Applications close Monday 6 April at 11.00pm AEST (R-60715). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for April.
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