Location: Parkville
Role type: Full time; Fixed-term for 1 year
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences
Salary: Level A – $77,171 – $104,717 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About the Department of Anatomy and Physiology

In January 2021, a consolidation occurred within the School of Biomedical Sciences that amalgamated the former Departments of Anatomy and Neuroscience and Physiology into the Department of Anatomy and Physiology. The three previous departments had long and proud histories and have now come together to produce one department with a remarkable breadth and depth in research expertise, whilst retaining our teaching programs that are widely recognised for our innovation in teaching.

The Department of Anatomy and Physiology's key research themes are neuroscience, metabolism and diabetes, muscle and cell biology. The goal of the combined department is to remain at the forefront of scientific research aimed at understanding the structure and function of the human body in health and disease, employing novel and imaginative research methods.

About the Role

An opportunity exists for a PhD qualified research scientist with specialised skills in neuroscience and metabolism. The Research Fellow will undertake research within a team that is funded by NHRMC and ARC research grants to explore the neuronal control of metabolism and its contribution to metabolic diseases such as type-2 diabetes and obesity. These projects are led by A/Prof Garron Dodd.

The Research Fellow will integrate into the research and scholarship activities of the laboratory, contributing to the preparation of successful funding applications and research publications and assisting with the supervision and training of research higher degree and undergraduate research students. Attention to detail and accurate record-keeping will be essential for this position.

Responsibilities include:

• Participate in research independently and as a member of a research team
• Perform in vivo and in vitro research experiments related to metabolism, including but not limited to techniques such as cell culture, molecular biology, RNA/protein extraction, western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, stereotaxic surgery, immunohistochemistry.
• The co-production of conference and seminar papers and publications and attendance and presentations at conferences and seminars where appropriate
• The steady development of an academic research profile in the area of metabolic neuroscience

About You

You possess the proven ability to work with senior researchers to help design, perform and analyse experiments in a timely manner. You demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective research collaboration and engagement, as well as the ability to manage competing priorities and excellent time management skills.

You will also have:

• A PhD in neuroscience or relevant discipline
• Experience working with small laboratory animals (including handling, anaesthetisation and surgery) and conducting animal-based research experiments involving animal treatments and monitoring
• Demonstrated proficiency in conducting stereotaxic surgery in mice to deliver adeno-associated viruses to specific brain regions.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence , molecular biology, RNA extraction and quantitative real-time PCR; protein extraction, gel electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry and western blot techniques
• Strong evidence of ability and desire to build an academic career trajectory

Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia.

About the University

The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us

In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits.

Be Yourself

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact  us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au.

Applications close: 5 February 2023 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time

Position description: 0058313_Research Fellow_PD.pdf