ARC ICPD Postdoctoral Fellow (A) in Antibacterial Drug Development

(Level A) $75,888-$102,040 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed-term- 28 Months

Part-time-14.70 hours a week

This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral fellow to work with multidisciplinary academic and industry partners and apply their skills in antibacterial drug development. We are seeking an outcome-driven scientist to progress multiple research projects and teach and mentor students in areas relevant to the Training Centre. Based at The University of Adelaide, the Animal Health postdoctoral fellow plays an integral role in engaging with industry and external partners to foster the Centre’s collaborative partnerships. 

The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to work directly with the Centre’s partners, with a portion of their time dedicated to working with the industry partner. Other benefits of the Centre include:

• Access to specialised training and development opportunities with support and mentorship from academic and industry experts.
• Funding for national and international conferences, meetings, and symposia.
• Opportunity to have direct input into the management and operations of national collaborative research program.

The antibacterial drug development post-doctoral position under the Animal Health theme will carry out a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo characterisation of new derivatives of the lead robenidine analog NCL195 molecule towards developing a novel, orally delivered medicine for dogs for the treatment of resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Streptococcus canis infections. The in vitro and in vivo antifungal (Candida albicans, dermatophyte / Malassezia and systemic (Cryptococcus neoformans) activity of the NCL195 molecule will be explored later in the program.

About the Centre

The ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (CEA StAR) is a collaborative 5-year, $12.9m research and training program led by The University of Queensland with University of Adelaide and industry partners Calix, Cluster Biotechnology, Edenvale Beverages, Invion, MGI Tech Australia, and Neoculi. We are working together to develop innovative solutions to mitigate the adverse impacts of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

AMR is a critical problem with significant health, environmental and socio-economic impacts. Acknowledging the interconnections between humans, plants, animals, and our shared environments, CEA-StAR is adopting a ‘One Health’ approach and focusing its research on the latter two areas. Our vision is to establish Australia as a leader in developing long-term, sustainable solutions to the challenges of antimicrobial resistance by delivering on four aims:

• Strengthening the capability and capacity of the research sector by training the next generation of antimicrobial resistance researchers.
• Advancing industry-driven projects that develop solutions to mitigate antimicrobial resistance.
• Enhancing linkages and partnerships between universities and industry.
• Providing scientific and public education on AMR.

To be successful you will need (Selection Criteria)

1. PhD or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in veterinary microbiology or a related discipline
2. Experience in one (or more) of the following areas:
3. Experience in antimicrobial drug development
4. Experience in mouse models of drug safety and efficacy evaluation
5. Experience in a range of molecular biology, cellular biology and imaging techniques

• Demonstrated publication track record in leading scientific journals and conferences, or equivalent for industry researchers
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in addition to working effectively as a member of a research team, effective supervision of Higher Degree by Research students and ability to engage with industry partners and manage deliverables.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise and communicate effectively with professional and industry bodies, government and members of the community.
• Good organisational and time management skills, including willingness to follow an agreed project plan and meet realistic milestones.

Desirable

1. Experience in in vitro antimicrobial activity assays, including but not limited to minimum inhibitory concentration determination, minimum bactericidal concentration determination, biofilm assays, time-dependent killing assays, point of resistance development assays, drug synergy testing, drug mechanism of action studies and in vitro drug cytotoxicity assays.
2. Demonstrated experience and training in mouse models of drug safety and efficacy evaluation, mouse tissue collection, histopathological examination, topical and systemic drug efficacy evaluation.
3. Demonstrated skills in a range of molecular biology, cellular biology and imaging techniques including spectroscopy, multi-mode cell imaging, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, bioluminescence imaging.
4. A high standard of record keeping and data management.
5. Must be ready to start immediately.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

How to Apply

Click on the link below to view the Selection Criteria and to apply for the opportunity.

careers.adelaide.edu.au/cw/en/job/512816/arc-icpd-postdoctoral-fellow-in-antibacterial-drug-development

Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

***Applications close 11:55 pm, Friday 13th October 2023***

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr David Ogunniyi

NHMRC Externally Funded Research Fellow
Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology
School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology 
The University of Adelaide
Roseworthy, SA 5371
AUSTRALIA
Mobile: +61-432-331-914
E-mail: david.ogunniyi@adelaide.edu.au

The University of Adelaide is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.