Postdoctoral Research Fellow

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with projects focussed on sensory processing networks inzebrafish to help lead our efforts in describing how brain-wide sensory networks function to produce behaviour.

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About – Department of Anatomy and Physiology

In January 2021, a consolidation occurred within the School of Biomedical Sciences that amalgamated the former Departments of Anatomy and Neuroscience and Physiology into the Department of Anatomy and Physiology. The three previous departments had long and proud histories and have now come together to produce one department with a remarkable breadth and depth in research expertise, whilst retaining our teaching programs that are widely recognised for our innovation in teaching, both through the development of online resources and in the use of active learning approaches in face-to-face teaching.

The Department of Anatomy and Physiology’s key research themes are neuroscience, metabolism and diabetes, muscle and cell biology. The goal of the combined department is to remain at the forefront of scientific research aimed at understanding the structure and function of the human body in health and disease, employing novel and imaginative research methods. About the Role
This position is for a neuroscientist, with projects focussed on sensory processing networks in zebrafish. The successful candidate will help to lead our efforts in describing how brain-wide sensory networks function to produce behaviour. This may involve meshing functional and anatomical data, the modelling information flow through sensory networks, and/or the optogenetic tests of the resulting models. Experimental manipulations, such as the mutants with relevance to psychiatric disorders or the exploration of sensory plasticity, are also within scope.

Responsibilities include:

With broad direction from the Professor Ethan Scott, support research and experiments toward understanding sensory perception, central processing and behaviour at the levels of circuits and brain-wide networks.

Prepare high quality papers and contribute to the rich academic environment of the laboratory and the Department.

Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary research team and with researchers.

Keep clear and accurate records and ensure effective record keeping and data management.

This work is challenging and rewarding, and best suited to researchers who value broad, interdisciplinary approaches to big questions in neuroscience. Culturally, our lab values diversity in all forms, and cultivates a mutually supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

About You
To be successful in this role you will have well developed communication skills (written and verbal) as well as your ability work within a research team to achieve goals and deadlines. You are also highly organised with excellent planning skills as well as flexible in experimental design.

You will also have:

PhD in physics, molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, mathematics, or relevant related fields.

Expertise and a strong track record in optical physics/engineering, neuroscience, calcium imaging, image analysis, OR the mathematical modelling of complex systems.

Research experience including writing research proposals, conducting literature reviews, conducting research and writing manuscripts.

A demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

About the University
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us
In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave

Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading

Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs

Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club

Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit .

Be Yourself
We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining your interest and experience. Please note that you are not required to provide responses against the selection criteria in the Position Description.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact us at .