Neuroinflammation Lab Postdoctoral Researcher

**Introduction**:
WIMR is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes located at the heart of the Westmead Health Precinct, designated as the lighthouse precinct for Biomedical technology by the NSW Government. WIMR is an independent medical research institute governed by a Board. It is a multi-disciplinary institute with research across key themes being:

- Infection and Immunity
- Cancer
- Liver and Metabolic
- Neuroscience and Vision
- Cardiorespiratory

Closely affiliated with the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, the Institute’s research extends from the laboratory to the patient using the basic tools of molecular and cell biology, genetic epidemiology, imaging technology and clinical research.

Biomedical research in the Institute extends into clinical research programs across a wide range of disciplines which may interface with the many clinical trials in progress at any one time. This “bench to bedside” approach enables greater translation of research from biomedical discovery to the development of new prevention strategies, diagnostics and more effective treatments.

**Description**:
Reporting to the Laboratory Head, Neuroinflammation Group Leader, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, the Postdoctoral Researcher will undertake laboratory research investigating the neuroimmune mechanisms of spinal cord injury and other neuroinflammatory disease using small animal and primary cell culture models. This position may also include collaborative efforts in other disease areas, where appropriate.

Major Responsibilities

**Key areas of responsibility include**:
Conduct research, including performing assays, producing reports and publications within the appointed field and carry out activities to develop research expertise relevant to the particular field of research.
Preparation of research proposal submissions for funding.
Preparation of manuscripts.
Be involved with relevant committees, when available.
Ensure all procedures are performed with special reference to quality assurance and immediately notify supervisor of any abnormality which may cast doubt.
Ensure transportation of biohazardous clinical materials in accordance with CASA/IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Effective management of goods and services including ordering, follow-up, inventory and stock take for laboratory.
Assist other workstations and research projects occasionally as required. Be available to work as rostered to ensure the efficient functioning of the department.

**Skills and Experiences**:
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following education, experience, and technical knowledge:
Experience

Appropriate tertiary qualifications in neurobiology.
Research laboratory experience in small laboratory animals, including surgery and behavioural studies, FACS sorting, PCR, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy.
Experience of multi-parameter flow cytometry is desirable.
Experience working with primary cell culture models is desirable.
Peer reviewed publications.

Skills/Knowledge

Desktop reporting, publishing, and basic database computing skills.
Analysis of data using FlowJo and GraphPad Prism.
Knowledge of neurobiology and/or immunology.

Behaviours/Attributes

Effective communication (written & oral), time management, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Good work ethic.
Works well in a team.
Can work independently.
Can delegate tasks and direct a lab team effectively.
Networking and forging links and collaborations with fellow scientists/clinicians.

Why Should you work with WIMR?
- Be part of an organisation that has a strong foundation of encouraging curious, solution focused thinking and collaboration
- The incredible pride that comes with supporting a team who are literally striving to change the world and save lives
- Beautiful building incorporating professional cafe, bike storage facilities, showering facilities, world class equipment and facilities
- Hybrid work arrangements
- Close to public transport / on-site parking
- NFP ability to salary sacrifice for tax benefits
- Option for novated leasing
- Paid parental leave program
- Access to employee assistance program