Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Epilepsy

• Institute for Molecular Biosciences (IMB)

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position though to December 2026

• Base salary will be in the range $80,448.78 - $107,104.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at our vibrant St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to focus their efforts on developing their expertise and emerging research profile in peptide chemistry and ion channel biology. Our laboratory explores the venoms of arthropod predators to discover peptides that modulate the activity ion channels involved in human disease.

This project focuses on targeting ion channels found in pain-sensing nerve fibres that innervate the gut. The candidate for this position will be involved in all aspects of the project and will be expected to contribute to publications and applications for competitive research funding.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research:

  • Culture of mammalian cell lines

  • Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells to cardiomyocytes

  • FLIPR assays of calcium handling by cardiomyocytes

  • Maintenance, handling and milking of spiders, scorpions, and other venomous arthropods

  • Venom processing, including venom collection, extraction and HPLC-based fractionation.

  • Chemical synthesis, folding and purification of disulfide-rich peptides, including those with non-native amino acid residues.

  • Peptide purification and analytical characterisation (e.g., LC-MS).

  • Patch-clamp electrophysiological measurements of peptide activity against a range of voltage-gated ion channels, especially voltage-gated potassium channels, including measurement of peptide potency and kinetics of interaction.

  • Design and conduct independent experiments under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.

  • Preparation of research publications and progress reports. Participation in meetings to discuss project objectives, methodology outcomes, and publications.

  • Maintain experimental record keeping of projects, whilst demonstrating autonomy and personal initiative to assist with laboratory organisation and documentation.

  • Produce quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high-quality outlets.

  • Participate in applications for competitive research funding support.

  • Work with colleagues and postgraduates in the development of interdisciplinary joint research projects.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, supervise, support and manage research staff, 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, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You 

• Completion of a PhD with a focus on peptide structure and function or a related area

• An emerging profile in research in the discipline area

• Skilled in microwave-assisted solid-phase peptide synthesis

• Skilled in folding and purification of disulfide-rich peptides, especially reversed-phase HPLC

• Experience with development of peptide structure-function relationships

• Skilled in maintenance and milking of venomous arachnids

• Experience with handling and HPLC fractionation of animal venoms

• Skilled in culture of mammalian cell lines

• Skilled in automated patch-clamp electrophysiology (experience with the Sophion QPatch 16X system platform is highly desirable)

• Deep knowledge of the structure and function of voltage-gated sodium channels

• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presentations at national and international conferences

• A commitment to participating in a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and safe research laboratory environment.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check etc. 

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 Professor Glenn King (glenn.king@imb.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.
 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths 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. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Monday, 9 June 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-51616). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for June.

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