**Postdoctoral Research Fellow**
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Level A.1 $72,257 to $97,840 p.a., plus 17% employer superannuation
- Full time, fixed term for two years
**About the opportunity**
Working in the field of in Biology, Biomolecular Chemistry, Pharmacology or Biophysics, you will work closely with the supervisor and support the research in to identify insecticidal toxins. In particular, you will assist in setting up, establishing and running patch-clamp electrophysiology in the laboratory, which is crucial technique for identifying molecular targets of insecticidal toxins.
**Y**ou will*
- analyse data to communicate research outcomes to both expert and lay audiences through publishing;
- set up and maintain the patch-clamp electrophysiology rig;
- operate the patch-clamp electrophysiology on insect DUM neurons (from cockroaches and/or other sources) for target identification of insecticidal and varroacidal toxins;
- perform bio-assay guided fractionation of arthropod venoms in combination with in vivo arthropod toxicity assays to identify novel insecticidal and anti-parasitic venom components;
- maintain arthropod cultures (flies, beetles, moths, cockroaches, honeybees, centipedes, scorpions and spiders) for toxicity assays; and
- operate the Ussing chamber assay for in vitro testing of caterpillar midgut permeability of arthropod toxins.
**About UniSC**
As one of Australia's fastest growing universities, UniSC is ripe with opportunities for passionate, skilled and determined leaders who want to make an impact in higher education.
We are one of the most respected universities in Australia for our teaching quality, as acknowledged by our five-star rating in the Good Universities Guide - a title we have held for 16 consecutive years.
On the world stage, we are a recognised global leader when it comes to sustainability principles. In the 2021 Times Higher Education's Impact Rankings, UniSC was ranked as third in the world for our research, outreach and stewardship when it comes to conserving and protecting life underwater. For life on the land, we were ranked fifth
- both titles a welcome recognition of our work in these specialty areas of research and stewardship.
The standings come alongside the Australian Research Council's recognition of UniSC as a producer of world-class research in 26 areas, including environmental impact, mental and medical health, technology, and human behaviour.
UniSC's impact in national and international research continues to be fast-growing and, since 2013, we have more than tripled our annual research income to $26 million.
While these results are impressive, they are just the start of our story. We are young, agile and determined to become Australia's premier regional university.
We warmly encourage you to join us on this journey.
**About you**
You possess a positive and engaging demeanour, enabling excellence for research outcomes, colleagues and project partners. Your well-developed interpersonal skills and exceptional written and verbal communication allow you to successfully communicate research findings. You collaborate cohesively and share your expertise to contribute to the ongoing success of research outcomes.
**You will possess**:
- completion of a doctoral qualification in Biology, Biomolecular Chemistry, Pharmacology, Biophysics or in a closely related field or equivalent accreditation and standing;
- strong interest and proven skills in patch-clamp electrophysiology, arthropod toxicity screening, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), and recombinant or chemical peptide synthesis. Previous experience with culturing and handling arthropods is strongly recommended;
- statistical skills applicable to perform median lethal dose calculations;
- ability to collaborate on a large project alongside senior researchers at both an academic and industrial partner level; and
- research experience and potential including for example: refereed publications, participation in research teams and sound knowledge of research methodologies relevant to the discipline/field.
**Contact**
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Dr Volker Herzig
ARC Future Fellow
Telephone: 07 5456 5382
**To Apply**
- a resume; and
- a statement of suitability (not to exceed one page). Your statement of suitability should clearly demonstrate how your qualifications, skills, knowledge and attributes align to the requirements found within the selection criteria on the Position_Description to make you a success at UniSC.
**Benefits of working at UniSC**
UniSC is a community which recognises and embraces diversity among our staff, students and community partnerships. We provide an inclusive environment where each person feels they belong and are respected, connected and empowered to rise, and shine.
UniSC is a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE)
📌 Postdoctoral Research Fellow
🏢 University of the Sunshine Coast
📍 Queensland