CSIRO-AIBN Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechno

The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology

The University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is a dynamic multi-disciplinary research institute dedicated to developing technology to alleviate societal problems in the areas of health, energy, manufacturing and environmental sustainability. AIBN brings together the skills of more than 450 world-class researchers complimented by an extensive suite of integrated facilities, working at the intersection of biology, chemistry, engineering and computer modelling. With a reputation for delivering translational science, AIBN conducts research at the forefront of emerging technologies, and has developed strong collaborations with leading members of industry, academia and government. AIBN goes beyond basic research to develop the growth of innovative industries for the benefit of the Queensland and Australian economies.

The Advanced Therapies for Brain Cancer group within the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology is a collaborative venture between The University of Queensland, CSIRO and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. The group brings together expertise in medical imaging, biologics engineering, polymer and materials chemistry and cancer biology to develop and fast-track novel therapies for brain cancers to the clinic. The project will also be conducted in partnership with the Polymer Chemistry Group led by Prof Andrew Whittaker within the AIBN.

The advertised position is in direct collaboration with the CSIRO Probing Biosystems Future Science Platform: The goal of the PB FSP is to develop innovative platforms capable of interrogating living systems, preferably in real time, to exact and interpret meaningful information about the health status of the subject with recommendations for treatment and/or automated intervention if required.

Cancers of the brain and central nervous system are the highest cause of cancer death in people under the age of 40. Median survival for patients with high grade brain tumours is only 14 months and new solutions for treatment are urgently needed. Implantable drug delivery devices have shown recent clinical success in the management of high grade brain tumours and are a promising solution.

AIBN is committed to supporting the career growth of female researchers and have a number of initiatives to support females in developing and achieving a fulfilling research career at the institute. For more information, please visit our AIBN Women in Science web site at http://www.aibn.uq.edu.au/women.

The role

The successful applicant will develop and test implantable drug delivery devices in preclinical models of brain cancer and will have access to state-of-the-art materials synthesis and characterization facilities as well as world-class preclinical MRI imaging facilities. Drug release from the device will be externally and non-invasively triggered and monitored by in vivo imaging methods.

The person

Applicants should possess a PhD in chemistry, materials science or engineering, or related fields. Applicants should also have experience in the synthesis and characterisation of hydrogel materials, polymeric microcapsules and drug encapsulation techniques as well as knowledge and experience in the use of techniques for the characterisation of polymeric materials such as; NMR, chromatography and microscopy. Solid evidence of research activity in the field of materials for drug delivery as demonstrated by publications in high quality international journals or patent applications will be highly regarded.

The University of Queensland values diversity and inclusion. Applications are particularly encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Applications are also encouraged from women. This role is a full-time position; however flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.

Remuneration

This is a full-time, fixed term appointment for 3 years at Academic level A. The remuneration package will be in the range $81,545.81 - $87,535 p.a., plus employer superannuation contributions of up to 17% (total package will be in the range $95,408 - $102,416 p.a.).

Position Description

 500406_3037822_CSIRO AIBN_Postdoctoral_Research_Fellow.pdf

Enquiries

To discuss this role please contact Dr Simon Puttick via s.puttick@uq.edu.au

To submit an application for this role, use the Apply button below. All applicants must supply the following documents: Cover letter, Resume and Selection Criteria responses.

For information on completing the application process click here.

Important: please do not send your application directly to the email listed in the enquiries section of the advertisement. Applications not received via UQ Jobs online system will not be considered.

Application closing date

Sunday, 16 April 2017 at 11:55pm E. Australia Standard Time

Reference: 500406