About us Join us Work with us Post-doctoral Research Fellow (Optogenetic neuromodulation) About us The Bionics Institute is an internationally recognised, independent medical research institute that solves medical challenges with technology. We lead the world in the research and development of innovative medical devices and therapies to improve human health. Our multidisciplinary team comprises world-class scientists, engineers and researchers, and our laboratories are located in St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, close to our clinical collaborators. Together we transform the lives of people with a range of conditions, including hearing impairment, Crohnʼs disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, arthritis and diabetes. About you As a Post-doctoral Research Fellow in optogenetic neuromodulation, the successful applicant is required to work in a multi-disciplinary team of researchers in the fields of neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and photonics. She/he will be involved in pre-clinical research using optogenetic techniques to modulate neural activity in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The work will involve genetic manipulation of neural populations with AAVs, implantation of biomedical devices, electrophysiological recording and analysis, and behavioural assays. The incumbent will be required to have a biomedicine, neuroscience or biomedical engineering background, with experience in one or more of optogenetics, electrophysiology, behavioural testing, programming, and experimental design being highly desirable. Experience in microsurgery and working in rodent models are also desirable. The successful applicant is expected to be highly motivated and exhibit a high level of communication skills. She/he will be able to undertake independent and collaborative work as required and is expected to broadly contribute to the effective operation and success of research projects at the Bionics Institute. This position reports to the principal Research Fellow in the Optogenetics Research Team. Key Responsibilities: Make contributions to experimental design and planning Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication and scientific seminars on the research performed Make contributions to and assist with preparing ethics approval forms ensuring all records are kept up to date Perform or assist with surgical techniques in rodents Collect and analyse electrophysiological data Develop software and hardware solutions for the research activities Organise and maintain laboratory notebooks according to guidelines Supervise staff, students, and interns as appropriate. Job complexity, skills, knowledge Broad substantial theoretical knowledge and technical skill are required in the areas of biomedicine, neuroscience, or biomedical engineering. At this level the position holder is expected to be able to analyse and evaluate information and apply the most relevant solution to diverse problems through their knowledge of the subject matter and technical skills. The work is of a developmental nature requiring creative thinking, innovation, and collaboration to achieve desired outcomes. She/he will provide assistance with and start to own forward planning processes, such as estimating, and budgeting as derived from operational responsibilities. There will be some discretion to innovate within own function and to take responsibility for outcomes. The position holder is expected to provide advice and assistance to others and to make suggestions for change to make improvements to operations. Responsibilities at this level are starting to have an impact at an organisational level, beyond own work team. Level of Supervision, Independence The successful applicant must be capable of independent decision making in all aspects of the research referred to under Key Responsibilities. Depending on the level of appointment, she/he may be required to assist in the supervision of staff and students working as part of the research team. She/he will be required to liaise with her/his supervisor on the basic focus of the research and any changes in direction that may be required arising from research developments. Problem Solving, Judgement Problems arising from the research should be solved independently and/or in collaboration with fellow researchers in the team, with reference to the incumbent’s supervisor when necessary. The incumbent will be required to solve problems as part of the research team, for example discuss with engineers, clinicians, and other professionals the application of research results. Minimum training level, qualifications, and experience The position requires a background in biomedicine, engineering, or biomedical engineering. Experience in one or both of neuroscience and optogenetics are highly desirable. The incumbent must be highly motivated and have excellent problem-solving skills and experience working in a multidisciplinary environment. Essential PhD / MD in a relevant area or equivalent experience Background in biomedicine, neuroscience, or biomedical engineering A high level of communication skills Strong problem solving and analytical skills Very good publication record relative to opportunity Desirable Surgical experience in an experimental setting Experience working with rodent models Experience in optogenetics Recording electrophysiological data Experience in hardware and software programming This position will be based at our laboratories at St Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy. Applications Close: 9th June 2022, 11.59 pm Candidate screening and interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date of the advertisement. See full position description. Requirements: A police check is required. The Bionics Institute requires that staff are vaccinated against COVID-19. If you believe you meet the requirements for this position, please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply for Job' via SEEK. Please include a CV and a brief cover letter (max 2 pages) that addresses the Selection Criteria. For a full position description please refer to our website:https://www.bionicsinstitute.org/vacant-positions For further information about the Post-doctoral research fellow (Optogenetic neuromodulation) position, please contact the HR Officer, Ms Cindy Verrells, by email: [email protected] Bionics Institute is an equal opportunity employer and female applicants are encouraged to apply. The Institute is committed to maintain a smoke free workplace and a workplace that is free from sexual harassment. The Bionics Institute’s workplace embraces the Occupational Health and Safety Standards.