The ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment (CMBE) brings together medical, biological, population health, psychological and environmental sciences in six schools: The ANU Medical School, The Fenner School of Environment and Society, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, the Research School of Biology, the Research School of Population Health, and the Research School of Psychology. Together the schools integrate high level research with a research-led curriculum that encompasses all of these different areas.
Position Information
Job no: 506972
Work type: Fixed Term
Location: Canberra / ACT
Categories: Academic
Classification: Postdoctoral Fellow Academic Level A / Research Fellow Academic Level B
Salary package: $66,318 - $104,254 per annum plus 17% Superannuation
Term: Fixed Term contract, 2 years
Area: Molecular simulation of biological ion channel - drug interactions
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to contribute to an industry funded project aimed at understanding how a range of anaesthetic and antiepileptic drugs interact with biological ion channels and how this modifies channel function. This represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to this rapidly advancing area of biomedical research and to contribute to the development of methods for biomolecular simulation. Candidates should have a PhD and possess research experience in conducting molecular dynamics simulations of biological molecules. The two-year position in the Corry research group (http://karri.anu.edu.au) is available immediately, and the appointee will be responsible for conducting research activities at the ANU and maintaining regular correspondence with project partners.
The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au
ANU values diversity and inclusion and believes employment opportunities must not be limited by socio-economic background, race, religion or gender. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit http://hr.anu.edu.au/staff-equity
Application information
In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:
A statement addressing the selection criteria.
A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
Other documents, if required.
Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.
Position Description
This position has been created to undertake research on a project investigating the structure and function of biological ion channels and the mechanism of action of channel targeting drugs. This project will form part of an industry funded, Pfizer Inc, collaborative project aimed at understanding how this class of proteins can be targeted for therapeutic benefit.
Position Dimension & Relationships:
The position will directly report to Associate Professor Ben Corry, Research School of biology (Lead CI) for research and research outcomes. The appointee will be located within Dr Megan O’Mara’s Biomolecular Simulation and Dynamics Laboratory within the Research School of Chemistry and will report to her on a day to day basis.
The position will work in collaboration with colleagues at Pfizer Inc, conduct computational research outlined in the funding agreement and provide support and advice and, as required, training to students and other staff members in the research groups of Associate Professor Corry and Dr O’Mara.
Role Statement:
Under broad direction, the Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Fellow will:
Setup, conduct and analyse computational simulations examining ion channel function and channel-drug interactions, including the use of free energy and advanced sampling methods.
Develop simulation parameters for a range of compounds of interest.
Create sequence alignments and analysis and generate homology models of ion channel proteins.
Interact with Industry / ANU collaborators and co-supervisors.
Produce or contribute to the production of conference and seminar presentations and publications arising from the research
Subject to the availability of funds and maturity of the project the appointee will attend conferences related to the field of ion channels and drug discovery.
Offer guidance and advice from within their field of expertise to undergraduate students, postgraduate students and other staff of the University.
Comply with all ANU policies and procedures, and in particular those relating to work health and safety and equal opportunity.
Perform other duties as required consistent with the classification level of the position.
Skill Base:
A Level A Academic will normally have completed four years of tertiary study in the relevant discipline and/or have equivalent qualifications and/or research experience. They may have completed a relevant doctoral qualification. Research experience may have contributed to or resulted in publications, conference presentations, reports or technical contributions that give evidence of research potential.
A Level B Academic will normally have completed a doctoral qualification and or have equivalent qualifications or research experience. In addition he/she may be expected to have had post-doctoral experience that has resulted in publications, conference presentations, reports or technical contributions that give evidence of research ability.
Selection Criteria
Level A
A PhD or equivalent in an appropriate field of biological, chemical or physical research.
Ability to conduct high quality independent and innovative research, with the ability to carry work through to publication.
Knowledge of and experience in conducting molecular dynamics simulations, including free energy or advanced sampling methods, ideally involving proteins or nucleic acids.
Knowledge of techniques used for the parameterisation of molecules for molecular simulations, and / or quantum chemical calculations.
Knowledge or experience in the programming of scripting and analysis tools, and experience in using high performance computing facilities.
Well-developed verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively in an independent role and collaboratively with others in a research environment with people from diverse backgrounds.
A demonstrated understanding of equal opportunity principles and policies and a commitment to their application in a University context.
Level B
A PhD or equivalent in an appropriate field of biological, chemical or physical research and postdoctoral experience.
Demonstrated track record in conducting independent and innovative research of a high quality aimed at understanding some aspect of molecular biology with the ability to carry work through to publication in internationally recognised scientific journals.
High level knowledge of and experience in conducting molecular dynamics simulations, including free energy or advanced sampling methods, ideally involving proteins or nucleic acids.
Demonstrated experience in the parameterisation of molecules for molecular simulations, and / or quantum chemical calculations.
Experience in the programming of scripting and analysis tools and experience in using high performance computing facilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively in an independent role and collaboratively with others in a research environment with people from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrated understanding of equal opportunity principles and policies and a commitment to their application in a University context.
Application Deadline: 16 Nov 2015 11:55:00 PM Aus. Eastern Standard Time
Apply Here
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