Postdoctoral Research Associate

at  University Of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is inviting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associates to support the ARC Linkage Project - Milk Protein Profiling Technology Development.

About the Role The Postdoctoral Research Associates – Analytical Chemistry will be part of the team for the ARC Linkage Project - Milk Protein Profiling Technology Development, under the supervision of Professor Jiajia Zhou, at the Institute for Biomedical Devices (IBMD) at Faculty of Science, UTS. This project aims to develop a novel device, comprising advanced single molecule imaging, microfluidics and immunoassay technologies, for quantification of milk protein variants. Milk quality is central to dairying and variants of proteins in milk affect its market value. No current milk protein detection technologies are readily applied in milk production quality control. This role is responsible for delivering the optimal bioconjugation protocol and substrate passivation and antibody immobilisation protocols, as well as assist in co-supervision of the PhD students in this Project. Why IBMD? The IBMD is a multidisciplinary research institute that focuses on using its expertise in photonics, imaging, nanotechnology, microfluidics, chemistry and physics to develop devices that transform biomedical technologies. Our research will have direct effect of people living with chronic disease (i.e. cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease) and provide opportunity for financial gain in NSW via the commercialisation of these technologies. About you You are expected to have experience with the surface chemistry of nanoparticles and analytical chemistry. You will determine the optimal bioconjugation protocol and substrate passivation and antibody immobilisation protocols, as well as assist in co-supervision of the PhD students in this project. The candidate is required to present at conferences, publish high impact peer-review articles, and begin to develop an independent career during the project. Frequent interaction including visits with Principal Investigator Walsh will help this RA develop an end-user driven research profile. To be successful in applying for this role, you should have:

• Doctoral qualifications in polymer chemistry or analytical chemistry.
• Ability to undertake original research, as evidenced by timely and high-quality outputs.
• Contribute to the development and research performance of the research group by providing guidance on experimental design and data processing.
• Comprehensive knowledge and skills in polymer design and synthesis.
• Hands-on skills to perform analytical chemistry experiments such as nanoparticle surface treatment, bioconjugation, and biomolecular assay.
• Experience in polymer chemistry, particularly in RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer) polymerization techniques. Knowledge of polymer characterization methods is also essential.

About the Faculty The Faculty of Science’s organisational structure consists of two schools, two research institutes, administrative services and Technical Services. Comprising of five discipline-based teams and an operations team, Technical Services is Faculty led, providing technical expertise and operational management for Academic Staff and students covering more than 100 teaching and research laboratories and ancillary spaces that includes a store and workshop.
Base Salary Range: $88,273 to $107,511 (Level A) This role also attracts 17% superannuation (pension) in addition to the base salary. UTS staff also benefit from a wide range of Employee Benefits include flexible work practices, child care centres, generous parental leave and salary packaging opportunities. This position is full time, and the appointment will be made on a fixed term basis. Successful candidates can start from July 2024 for an 18-month period.

• Doctoral qualifications in polymer chemistry or analytical chemistry.
• Ability to undertake original research, as evidenced by timely and high-quality outputs.
• Contribute to the development and research performance of the research group by providing guidance on experimental design and data processing.
• Comprehensive knowledge and skills in polymer design and synthesis.
• Hands-on skills to perform analytical chemistry experiments such as nanoparticle surface treatment, bioconjugation, and biomolecular assay.
• Experience in polymer chemistry, particularly in RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer) polymerization techniques. Knowledge of polymer characterization methods is also essential