An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Officer to join the Weeden Laboratory in the Personalised Oncology Division at Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position

We are seeking a driven and collaborative postdoctoral researcher to lead projects in the Weeden Laboratory. Our lab investigates how environmental exposures, such as air pollution and heat stress, impact lung epithelial stem cells and contribute to lung diseases, including cancer. We are a multidiscplinary team that uses functional in vivo and ex vivo models to validate patient observational data.

This role is ideal for a curious and ambitious scientist eager to expand their expertise, tackle complex biological questions, and work at the forefront of respiratory and cancer biology. The successful candidate will lead your own projects while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and lead research projects focused on how environmental stressors epigenetically reprogram lung epithelial and immune cells, influencing disease susceptibility.
• Use in vivo models of air pollution and heat stress to study their long-term effects on lung health and cancer initiation.
• Apply advanced molecular techniques such as single-cell sequencing, 3D microscopy
• Establish novel patient tissue platforms to perform functional testing of lung microenvironment
• Collaborate with internal and external experts in genomics, bioinformatics, and respiratory biology.
• Publish and communicate your research findings in journal articles, conferences and to diverse audiences

Selection Criteria

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• PhD in cancer, cell or molecular biology or immunology
• Wet laboratory skills with murine models or primary patient tissues
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• Track record in leading research projects to completion
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools for analyzing sequencing/imaging data.
• Knowledge of respiratory or cancer biology research.

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality research.
• Enthusiasm for contributing to research that addresses critical public health challenges related to environmental exposures and lung disease.

Terms of Appointment

This position is available up to 2 years in a full-time capacity. Salary is Research Employee Level A6-A8 ($101, 039 - $108,453). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to Clare Weeden - [email protected]

A position description is available here.

How to Apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria on the job ad (in pdf format).

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At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.

Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team using the subject line: Research Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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