Join the Swinburne Department of Physics and Astronomy
About the Role
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Swinburne University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join Assoc. Prof. Nadia Zatsepins group in the Optical Sciences Centre to establish a new lab focused on method development in serial crystallography and grow X-ray free-electron laser science in Australia.
The focus will be two-fold: developing serial crystallography at the Australia Synchrotron and developing time-resolved serial crystallography to capture the structural dynamics of E. coli disulfide bond-forming enzyme A (DsbA) during its enzymatic cycle. DsbA plays a crucial role in oxidative protein folding and is a potential drug target to combat antimicrobial resistance. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to both technical advancements in crystallographic methodology as well as deepening our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing disulfide bond formation.
The ideal candidate will have experience in protein crystallization, X-ray crystallography experiments and data analysis, with a strong interest in serial and time-resolved crystallography. They should have excellent organisational, project management, and communication skills, as well as experience with student supervision and mentoring. Experience in setting up a crystallization laboratory would be highly valued.
The appointee is expected to communicate research results in international refereed journals and conferences, contribute to beamtime and grant funding proposal writing, mentor and co-supervise undergraduate, Masters and PhD students, work with minimal supervision, as well as manage the crystallisation laboratory space independently. If you are interested in cutting-edge method development in biophysics, molecular mechanisms, and advancing drug discovery, we encourage you to apply.
About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:
- Strong background in macromolecular crystallography, ideally with experience in time-resolved or serial crystallography
- Proficiency in crystallographic data analysis software (e.g., CrystFEL, Phenix, CCP4, XDS).
- Record of publications, conference presentations and publications and/or technical contributions demonstrating research capabilities
- Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate results and interpretation clearly to an interdisciplinary audience
Further information about this role can be found in the attached position description.
Qualifications
PhD in crystallography, structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, X-ray physics or similar.
About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburnes strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.
About the Optical Sciences Centre
The Optical Sciences Centre at Swinburne University is a leading research hub within the Department of Physics and Astronomy focusing on both fundamental and applied optical sciences. Our research encompasses areas such as classical and quantum photonics, lightmatter interactions, nanotechnology, biomedical sciences, and quantum materials. The Department also houses the OzStar and Ngarrgu Tindebeek supercomputers hosted in the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS).
Location
Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with a mild climate and many cultural and sporting events. Mountains, ocean and wine growing regions are easily accessible. This position is located at the Hawthorn Swinburne campus with excellent food options and public transport connections. The incumbent may also be required to travel to collaborator laboratories (e.g. La Trobe University in Bundoora, and Monash University and Australian Synchrotron in, Clayton) and have opportunities to visit international collaborator laboratories (Germany, Spain or USA), as well as conducting experiments at synchrotron and X-ray free-electron laser facilities overseas (e.g. the US, Germany, Switzerland, Japan or South Korea).
To Apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter (2 pg) briefly addressing the key selection criteria for this position.
To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.
If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click apply and you will be redirected to Swinburnes Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au .
Applications Close: Friday 28th March 2025, 11pm
Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world. Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.
We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership. We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact at DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550. Please note the above number and DCR email address are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquires about the role can be sent to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au (general enquires will not be answered by phone).
Victorias Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.
As a signatory to
Victorias Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.
As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.
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