Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Neurodevelopment in Health & Disease Research Program

• Opportunity for an experienced Research Fellow to play a pivotal role to lead & deliver in vitro tissue culture experiments in assessing target neurotherapeutics
• Be part of research activities supported by the Neurodevelopment in Health & Disease Research Program in evaluating both normal and abnormal brain development, with a focus on therapeutic interventions in preventing brain injury induced by fetal growth restriction
• Full-time, fixed term 1-year opportunity based at RMIT Bundoora campus
• Report directly to Program Leader, NDHD Research Program, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences
• Remuneration at Academic Level A ($67,630 - $ 91,734) or Academic Level B ($96,564 - $114,672) + 17% superannuation

About us

RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise with more than 91,000 students and 11,000 staff globally. RMIT offers postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational education and online programs to provide students with a variety of work-relevant pathways.

Our purpose is to offer life-changing experiences for our students and to help shape the world with research, innovation, teaching and industry engagement. With strong industry connections forged over 130 years, collaboration with industry remains integral to RMIT’s leadership in education, applied and innovative research, and to the development of highly skilled, globally focused graduates.

About the College/Role

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences comprises three Academic Clusters (Allied Health, Applied Health, and Biomedical Sciences).  Primarily based at the RMIT Bundoora campus, we undertake teaching and research across ten disciplines: Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Exercise Science, Human Biosciences, Laboratory Medicine, Medical Radiations, Nursing, Osteopathy, Pharmacy and Psychology.  Many of our programs include Work Integrated Learning as an intrinsic part of student learning, both through placements in partner industries and through the University’s student led Health Sciences Clinic located at Bundoora.

The School’s research was ranked as well above world standard in clinical science, complementary and alternative medicine, medical physiology, microbiology and pharmacology & pharmaceutical sciences, and above world standard in psychology, public health & health service and medical & health sciences.   We have a strategic focus on chronic disease and integrative health care with cross-cutting themes of: Indigenous Health, Exercise & Nutrition, Ageing in Health & Disease, and Medical Devices, Diagnostics and Prognostics. Research within the School is supported by modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment as well as a significant number of national and international partners.

Details of the School can be found at:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/academic-schools/health-and-biomedical-sciences

As an experienced Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will:

• Perform in vitro tissue culture experiments using dissociated cells, organotypic slice cultures and 3D model systems (organoids).
• Conduct in vivo modeling of fetal brain injury using surgical techniques; post-surgical monitoring and reporting; tissue dissection and collection, and neuropathological assessment of the brain using standard histological, immunohistochemical and molecular techniques
• Prepare and submit competitive research grant proposals
• Perform daily data collection & documentation which includes post-surgical monitoring and reporting as well as data analysis

About You

You will have proven working laboratory research experience and in-depth knowledge of in vitro tissue culture techniques (dissociated cell culture, organotypic slice culture, and/or organoid) for analyzing and monitoring neurotherapeutic potential. In this role, you will have an emerging track record in producing and delivering high quality research outputs with the capability to communicate and present research findings and knowledge at meetings. In addition, you will have excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) equip with the passion and ability to build strong relationships across all levels of professional staff within the organization. To be successful in this position, you are required to have a high-level of focus with attention to details, as well as effective time management and analytical skills, and the ability to identify ways to perform experimental procedures with limited supervision.

Qualifications

This position requires candidate with a PhD in Biological Sciences.

Candidate with experience in in-vitro tissue culture including dissociated cell culture (e.g. neurons and oligodendrocytes), organotypic slice culture, 3D culture models (e.g. organoids) and experience in securing competitive research funding and development of new research initiatives will be highly regarded.

Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children check

Culture

What unites us is our purpose and our values; they are at the heart of who we are, what we stand for, how we make decisions and connect with each other.

Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work. You will be a part of a productive and collaborative team, who values working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous information sharing and transparent work practices.

Bring your whole self to work

We are better for our diversity. When we listen to those who are different to us or challenge us, we grow stronger together. When we feel like we belong, we can achieve so much more. We respect each other, embrace our differences and build a sense of belonging in our team and beyond.

We’re proud to share with you some of our wins:

• RMIT University is an Athena SWAN member with Bronze Award accreditation and the College of Science, Engineering and Health is central to driving improvements in gender equality, diversity and inclusion, particularly in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) disciplines.
• We placed 11th in the 2019 Talent Board APAC Candidate Experience Awards.
• RMIT was placed 10th in the 2019 Randstad Employer Brand Research Awards, up five spots from 2018.
• We were named as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency in 2019.
• We achieved Gold Employer status for LGBTIQ inclusion in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) in 2018 and now in 2019.
• We were recognized as a top five employer in 2018 for workplace accessibility with the Australian Network on Disability.
• The launch of our second Reconciliation Plan, Dhumbah Goorowa– a “commitment to share” - an important step in our reconciliation journey.

To Apply

Please submit your updated resume and cover letter outlining your experience & achievements by clicking on the ‘Apply now’ link. Please note that a separate response to Key Selection is required. For further information about this position, please see Position Description below.

 PD - 587295 - Research Fellow (in vitro).pdf

Applications close Sunday 29th March 2020.

In assessing merit, RMIT accommodates an emerging contemporary approach to work and career and will recognise achievement relative to opportunity. In your application, we encourage you to comment on your achievement relative to opportunity.

We are also happy to adjust the recruitment process for your accessibility requirements. Please email talentsupport@rmit.edu.au with your request(s).

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

Trans and Gender Diverse applicants

Inclusion is at the durrung (or heart) of who we are. We aim to create an environment where staff and students who identify as trans and gender diverse feel supported to succeed and belong.

We recognise the challenges faced by the trans and gender diverse community when applying for a new role.

At RMIT, we aim to support you from the start. Our Talent Acquisition team are active members of the RMIT Ally network.

For enquires or support through the application, recruitment and onboarding process, applicants who identify as trans or gender diverse are invited to contact Mat Lewis at mat.lewis@rmit.edu.au