Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the School of Chemistry, contributing to an ARC funded project called Switchable Anion Transporters within Professor Philip A. Gale’s research group. The project concerns the development of anion transporters that ‘switch-on’ under the conditions found in cancer cells and tumours whilst remaining switched off in healthy tissues. The compounds produced and the study of their anion binding and transport ability may lead to new generations of anti-cancer compounds which affect only cancerous tissue.

This role is dedicated to activities supporting this grant which will involve; synthesis of new switchable anion transporters, the study of their anion transport properties in model vesicle systems, liaising with our collaborator Prof. Ricardo Perez-Tomas at the University of Barcelona who will conduct cell studies on the compounds produced, providing supervision for research students and being a key role model as a senior member of the research group. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate professionalism in research ethics and integrity, day-to-day lab housekeeping and safe practices as well as presenting research findings at conferences and preparing papers for publication in refereed journals.

Responsibilities will include:

Participating in a research programme conducting synthesis, anion binding studies and anion transport studies on switchable receptor systems designed to allow the flow of chloride, bicarbonate and other species through lipid bilayer membrane
Presenting research findings at conferences and preparing papers for publication in refereed journals.
Liaising with collaborators at the University of Barcelona conducting cell studies with the compounds produced.
Providing mentoring for undergraduate and postgraduate students within the research group.
Contributing to preparation of grant proposals for research funding related to the project.
Ensuring Workplace Health and Safety standards are maintained in the research group.


About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who possesses experience in the following areas:

A PhD in Chemistry.
Previous synthetic chemistry experience.
Previous experience OR understanding of supramolecular chemistry techniques such as the use of titration techniques to determine stability constants, X-ray crystallography and transmembrane anion transport studies.
Experience of the supervision of students at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Proven ability to analyse complex problems, drawing from research experience and initiative, develop methodologies and practical approaches to solve them.



About us

The School of Chemistry is a large research active school comprising over 30 full time academic staff and approximately 100 research staff, 100 research students and 34 technical, professional and administrative staff. We administer and deliver undergraduate teaching for approx. 2000 students.
The School uses services provided by the Faculty as support in safety, however roles described within this position focus on local chemical knowledge and associated documentation that require continual review and updating, with audits and inspections to ensure compliance.

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australias first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.


How to apply

For more information on the position and University, please view the position description available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number 176/0120F to apply.

Routine pre-employment probity checks will be carried out for this position.

Closing date: 11:30pm, Tuesday 31 March 2020

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications are encouraged from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.