Post Doctoral Research Officer

Full time (NHMRC funded) position for 2 years, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

Closing date: 8 February 2010

Type of Employment:Full-time, fixed term appointment until 31st December 2011, with possible renewal depending on performance and funding.


Classification:Academic Research Level A


Remuneration:The salary package will be in the range $62,807 - $67,420 p.a., plus employer superannuation contributions of up to 17% (total package will be in the range $73,484 - $78,881 p.a.). Appointments on a short term contract basis qualify for 9% of employer contribution.
For staff entitled to 17% employer contributions, UniSuper does not mandate a level of member contribution to superannuation. However, in order to receive the full standard range of benefits under UniSuper, the member must pay 7% contribution from their salary (or a salary sacrifice equivalent contribution of 8.25%). It will be assumed that a 7% member contribution will apply unless the member formally notifies UniSuper of a decision of pay a lesser member contribution (or no member contribution).

Further Information:For further information contact Prof. Daniel Markovich,
Telephone: (07) 336 51400. Email:d.markovich@uq.edu.au

BACKGROUND - Organisational Environment
The School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Queensland is widely acknowledged as one the leading Schools of Biomedical Sciences in Australia. The School comprises 47 teaching and learning academic staff with 11 Professors, 14 Associate Professors, 8 Senior Lecturers, 5 Lecturers and 9 Associate Lecturers. In addition, the School is home to a number of prestigious Research Fellows funded externally by both the NHMRC and the ARC. Take a tour of the School of Biomedical Sciences http://www.uq.edu.au/sbms.
Program Description
The Molecular Physiology Section is Headed by Professor Daniel Markovich and has major research interests in the physiology of genetic disorders linked to ion transporters.
Information for Prospective Staff
Information about the University, State of Queensland, living in Brisbane and employment at the University is at the University's web site. http://www.uq.edu.au.) For a comprehensive guide to family friendly work practices and services visit the Work and Family web site at http://www.uq.edu.au/equity/index.html?page=11661
DUTY STATEMENT - Primary Purpose of Position
An opportunity exists for a motivated person to join a multidisciplinary research group to be a postdoctoral fellow on a NHMRC funded project investigating the roles of ion transporters on sulfate homeostasis. This person will design and conduct research experiments in accordance with the aims of the project and prepare results for publication.
Duties: Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Research General laboratory organisation and maintenance, Supervision of undergraduate, Honours, and PhD students, Design and conduct experiments, Preparation of manuscripts
Administrative Comply with the University's Code of Conduct (see the University's web site http://www.uq.edu.au/staff/employment/Occupational Health and Safety" ). Comply with requirements of Queensland occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation and related OH&S responsibilities and procedures developed by the University or School. Comply with requirements of Queensland environmental management (EMS) legislation and related EMS responsibilities and procedures developed by the University or School.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS. The position reports to Prof. Daniel Markovich, School of Biomedical Sciences.

SELECTION CRITERIA. Qualifications:
Essential: A PhD in the area of mammalian physiology, cell biology, biochemistry or a similar discipline.
Knowledge and Skills: Essential Familiarity with cell and whole animal experimentation; Ability to work in a team environment; Ability to work independently and use initiative; Excellent organisational and time management skills; Excellent written and communication skills; Previous research publications; Evidence of ability to initiate, execute and complete research projects
Experience: Essential Experience with cell biology techniques and tissue culture procedures; Experience with Western blotting and fluorescent/confocal microscopy; Knowledge of whole animal experimentation; Basic molecular biology techniques such as gel electrophoresis.
Personal Qualities: Essential Ability to interact within a team; Good inter-personal skills

APPLICATION: Applications must consist of the following:
1.Covering Letter. The covering letter should include the vacancy reference number, your contact address and telephone number. It is an opportunity in not more than one page to introduce yourself and highlight the key reasons you should be considered for the role.
2.Resume or Curriculum Vitae. A resume is a brief history of your employment and experience that covers the following areas: Educational qualifications and professional affiliations that detail the full title of the qualification, the year awarded and the title of the institution attended; Employment history in chronological order, starting with current position and specifying dates of employment, title of each position, name of employer, main duties or accountabilities and achievements; and the names and contact details (address, telephone, fax and e-mail) of three referees, including if possible a senior person (preferably your supervisor or the head of your organisational unit) closely associated with your current work.An academic curriculum vitae should include research fields and current interests, publications (full list as attachment with three most significant marked with an asterisk), research grants awarded and, if applicable, details of teaching evaluation.
Applications are to be sent to:School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072. Attention: Prof Daniel MarkovichOr email: d.markovich@uq.edu.au.
Please note: Applications should be typed. Do not send applications that are bound or enclosed in plastic or manila folders. Simply staple the application at the top left hand corner, and retain a copy for your reference because the University does not return copies to applicants.

SELECTION PROCESS: A Selection Committee will consider all applications and shortlist candidates for interview who appear to meet the selection criteria at the highest levels. They will be invited to attend an interview and the remaining unsuccessful applicants will be notified accordingly.An invitation to attend an interview provides an opportunity to provide further information to the Selection Committee to substantiate your claims against the selection criteria or demonstrate your capabilities. Please note that for some positions interviews may be conducted by teleconference in the first instance.The Selection Committee will subsequently seek referee reports, if not sought prior to interview, before making a decision to make an offer of appointment to the preferred candidate. The purpose of referee checks is to obtain, in confidence, factual information about your past work history, as well as opinions regarding the quality of your work, behaviour in the work place and suitability for the position. Referee reports may be sought orally, or for academic staff, in writing by post or e-mail. Referees should normally include current supervisors or and/or managers. A referee must be able to comment on your work experience, skills and performance with respect to the selection criteria. Referee checks conducted after the interview process can sometimes delay notification of the successful candidate and other interviewees.If you are the preferred candidate, you will receive a written offer of appointment to the position. Do not take any action, such as resigning from your current position, before you receive a written offer of appointment.The University of Queensland is an equal opportunity employer.Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings.