Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute

The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) works to understand the development, organisation and function of the brain. We aim to understand the neural circuits in the brain, how their function results in behavioural outcomes, and how dysfunction of these circuits leads to disorders such as dementia, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. We aim to (1) Develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat disorders of neural function and (2) Use our understanding of brain function to improve learning in classrooms and in the workplace.

Established in 2003, QBI ( www.qbi.uq.edu.au ) is housed on the St Lucia campus of UQ. It is home to more than 450 staff and students, including 41 group leaders.

Over the past decade QBI has become known as one of the world's leading neuroscience research institutes. It played a key role in contributing to UQ attaining the highest possible score of 5 for neuroscience, in the 2010, 2012, and 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessments, one of only two universities in Australia to achieve this.

The role

The goal of this project is to understand the brain functional changes in Alzheimer's disease and the complication with sleep apnoea and cholinergic dysregulation. Glymphatic system is a newly identified clearance system in the brain, which has been associated with removal of toxins, such as amyloid plaques in Alzheimer. However, limited in vivo tool is available to measure the function of the glymphatic system.

The primary purpose of the position is to develop Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques for mapping the dynamics of glymphatic flow non-invasively and to understand its relationship with cerebral blood flow, oxygenation, functional connectivity, behaviour and disease progression in mouse models. We will validate the findings using chemo-/optogenetic manipulations and histology in animal models. This will require extensive method development, functional imaging with MRI, kinetic analysis and data processing. The results will be compared with human data from Alzheimer and sleep apnoea patients.

The person

The successful appointee will hold a PhD in the area of neuroscience, biomedical engineering, medical physics, or a related field. This will be partnered with a demonstrated track record and expert knowledge in the area of functional MRI and fMRI data analysis or kinetic modelling, experience in programming language (Matlab or C/C++), and evidence of contribution to research.

In addition, you will hold excellent communication, problem solving, and organisational skills, and the ability to establish effective relationships and promote academic discipline at both a university and broader community.

Experience handling animals in the context of MRI scanning would be an advantage.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time, fixed term appointment until December 2021 at Research Academic level A. The remuneration package will be in the range $67,542 - $90,982 p.a., plus employer superannuation contributions of up to 17% (total package will be in the range $79,024 - $106,449 p.a.).

Employees can take advantage of UQ's Sport Facilities and Fitness Passport , salary sacrificing options, on-campus childcare, discounted private health insurance, cheap parking, and many other benefits.

This position is located at our picturesque St Lucia campus , renowned as one of Australia's most attractive university campuses, and located just 7km from Brisbane's city centre. Bounded by the Brisbane River on three sides, and with outstanding public transport connections, our 114-hectare site provides a perfect work environment - you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a vibrant campus with the tradition of an established university.

Here at UQ we value diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage contains further information and points of contact if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to recruitment@uq.edu.au .

Enquiries

To discuss this role please contact Prof Elizabeth Coulson via e.coulson@uq.edu.au