Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bioengineering

• Full time, fixed term opportunity until January 2026
• Opportunity to develop microfluidics to investigate novel nanostructure self-assembly
• Base Salary from $100,717 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Medical Sciences is recognised as one of the leading centres for medical science education in the world. With over 100 years of excellence in education, we are proud to be training the next generation of medical scientists who will be leading members of the medical research community with an innovative integrated curriculum. Our team of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from molecules to medicines, from patient to policy across a range of therapeutic areas.

We are currently seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bioengineering to work in the area of microfluidics and nanotechnology in the laboratory of Dr Anna Waterhouse. You will design and characterise microfluidics for the evaluation of DNA-based nanostructures that can dynamically change shape in response to external signals. Biological organisms have developed comprehensive molecular machinery for adapting and reconfiguring their states, for example to change shape or colour. Inspired by biology, we aim to build new material systems that can be reconfigured with nanoscale precision to achieve custom responsive optical and magnetic functions.

This project is part of a major research program with partners in The United States and Australia designing new routes to fabricate multi-dimensional materials through self-assembly. Collaborative research will include a team of experts in nanoparticle synthesis, microfluidics, and biofunctionalization of surfaces. The project will contribute new methods for the synthesis of reconfigurable systems that integrate multiple types of nanoparticles. Ultimately, this will allow us to build nanoscale devices with previously unattainable optical and magnetic functions for a range of applications including biomedical and medical devices.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• design and produce fabricate microfluidic and other static or fluidic devices synthetic capable of evaluating cells nanostructures using a range of microscopy techniques such as DNA origami, nanoparticle functionalisation and self-assembly
• design, fabricate and test microfluidics with patterned biomolecules and/or surface coatings, in collaboration with surface bioengineers, to direct nanostructure reconfiguration with external inputs such as light, ph and magnetic fields
• perform a diverse range of biochemical, biophysical experiments and microscopy experiments to characterise nanostructure properties behaviour under static and fluidic environments
• demonstrate excellence in data analysis, interpretation of results and directing future experiments
• write scientific communications intended for publication in refereed journals and assist with preparation of research grant applications
• assist in the supervision of graduate and honours level students
• interpret and present data to collaborators and develop your profile through presentations at conferences and seminars.

About you

• have a PhD and/or post-doctoral experience in a relevant academic field
• experience in conducting original research and/or engaging in scholarly activity
• skills in mechanical design including work with CAD and mechanical structural/fluid simulations
• knowledge and skills in nano and micro-fabrication processes and their application
• experienced in the preparation and analysis of materials using advanced techniques including spectroscopy, AFM, SEM, TEM, EDS etc
• have image processing skills; experience with light microscopy, confocal microscopy and electron microscopy
• ability to work independently and as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Ajaypal Singh at ajaypal.singh@sydney.edu.au.

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 18 June 2023 11:59 PM