• Opportunity to participate in a range of jointly funded research projects, within the laboratory of Professor Mary Collins.
• Located at our CBD Campus at The Brain and Mind Centre - Interface with world-leading cannabinoid research of the Lambert Initiative
• Full-time, 2 year fixed term contract. Base salary: $94k-$101k p.a. (Level A6+) plus annual leave loading and a generous employer’s contribution to superannuation.  

About the opportunity 

The University of Sydney is welcoming applications for a Research Associate to join The Brain and Mind Centre to participate in a range of jointly funded NH&MRC and Lambert Initiative projects in the laboratory of Professor Mary Collins. These projects include determining the binding site of novel peptide analogues of oxytocin at glycine and GABA-A receptors, and screening novel cannabinoid drugs at glycine and GABA-A receptors. There is scope for involvement in other projects utilising skills in cellular pharmacology, electrophysiology and drug development. The successful candidate will have knowledge and experience working in molecular biology, pharmacology and biochemistry, and an interest in drug discovery. Excellent written and oral presentation skills are essential to be successful in obtaining this opportunity, as well as understanding of cell culture, molecular biology and handling of radioactivity techniques.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Research Associate who possesses experience in the following areas:

• PhD in Biochemistry or a closely-related discipline
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in molecular biology, pharmacology and biochemistry
• A key interest in drug discovery and drug development
• Demonstrated experience in analysis of data, preparation of reports and presenting to broader research group
•      Demonstrated experience in cell culture and binding studies
• Demonstrated experience in animal handling or experience in surgery on Xenopus Laevis frogs is preferred, but not essential
• A demonstrable research interest in cannabinoids and endocannabinoids is desirable, but not essential

About us

The Brain and Mind Centre (BMC) at the University of Sydney was established to integrate clinical and basic neurosciences research in Australia. Committed to discovery, innovative and integrative research strategies, clinical product development and the application of research initiatives; the BMC directly benefits people whose lives have been affected by psychiatric and neurological illness.

The Lambert initiative is an Australian first in the field of medicinal cannabinoids, targeting a range of conditions including paediatric epilepsy, cancer, neurological, addiction and mental health disorders. The Lambert Initiative was created when Barry and Joy Lambert made a $33.7 million donation for research into the therapeutic use of medicinal cannabis. The Initiative’s aim is to optimise safe and effective cannabinoid therapeutics into mainstream medicine in Australia and beyond to deliver long overdue benefits for patients and to alleviate suffering.

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 6000 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

How to apply

For more information on the position and University, please view the position description available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number 2277/1019F to apply.

Routine pre-employment probity checks will be carried out for this position.

Closing date: 11:30pm, Wednesday 27 November 2019

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.