Postdoctoral Fellow - Microbiology and Immunology

at  University of Otago

KĀ PŪKEKA ME KĀ WHEAKO/YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We are seeking candidates who are self-motivated, with high ethical standards of work and strong problem-solving skills.

The successful candidate will also have:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Bioengineering.
• Demonstrated excellent time management, communication (written and oral), organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Expertise in polymer synthesis, characterisation techniques and their biomedical applications.
• Expertise in in vitro tissue culture and biological characterisation techniques.
• Experience in 3D printing, 3D tissue culture, and/or nanoparticle formulation (desirable).
• The ability to work well within in a team environment and help create a collegial, supportive, inclusive and motivating environment for staff and students.
• Proven ability to work well with students and staff from differing academic and cultural backgrounds.
• A publication record consistent with that of an active researcher performing at a high level.
• Experience with postgraduate student supervision.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow in our department, you will contribute to the research objectives of an externally funded research programme from MBIE in collaboration with the University of Auckland entitled, “A novel medical device for delivering therapies to the ear”.

Key tasks of the role include:

• Developing and documenting cell-based testing of developed biomaterials and drug delivery vehicles.
• Performing experimental laboratory work relating to the overall objectives of the research project.
• Analysing and writing up results for project reports, presentations, publications, and conferences.
• Assisting with the day-to-day running of the laboratory, and supervision and training of postgraduate students and staff.
• Assisting with writing grant applications and scientific papers that arise from research.
• Working collegially with the extended research team.
• Biomaterial and drug delivery development including synthesis and related characterisations.
• In vitro cell work to characterise biocompatibility of developed biomaterials.
• Characterise and optimise the interactions between drug delivery vehicles and cells.
• Maintaining a detailed record of all work performed.