Whole-Cell Patch Clamp Electrophysiologist

• Full time, one-year fixed term contract with possibility of extension
• Base Salary starting from $109, 301 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Sydney Pharmacy School is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate (level A) to work on the project entitled ‘Understanding the neural basis of incubation of craving for alcohol’.

This opportunity is to join a newly established laboratory under the supervision of Dr Bryony Winters. This NHMRC funded laboratory uses sophisticated neuroscience techniques to study the neurophysiology of pain and addiction.We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral neuroscientist with skills in ex vivo whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology to study mechanisms and neural pathways that underlie ‘incubation of craving’ for alcohol. Using a combination of electrophysiology, optogenetics and animal behavioural studies, the candidate will define how synaptic function and plasticity is altered in cortico-striatal pathways important for reward and addiction.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Conduct research, scholarly or professional activity, independently or as part of a team, contributing to discipline knowledge
• develop and refine independent research skills under the supervision of more senior academic staff
• provide informal mentoring and advice to students within discipline
• carry out administrative tasks and contribute to faculty/school meetings
• contribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence and achieving outcomes are valued and enabled
• understand and contribute to furthering the university and faculty/school strategic agenda
• undertake other duties and contribute to projects appropriate within the classification level as required.

About you

Essential

• Have a PhD in in Neuroscience, Physiology or Pharmacology or another relevant discipline
• proven expertise in ex vivo whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology including preparing and recording from acute brain slices
• demonstrate a track record of impactful research and publications in your field
• demonstrate a strong track record of effectively working in multi-disciplinary teams

Preferred

• Experience with stereotaxic surgeries for brain microinjections to deliver viral constructs for chemo- and/or optogenetics
• experience with immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy
• expertise and experience in striatal and/or prefrontal cortex physiology
• expertise and experience in animal models of addiction or operant conditioning for reward/aversive learning.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

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To submit an application for this role please provide the following information:

Please see full advert on the University website.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rachel Ann Yazigi, Recruitment Operations by email to rachel.yazigi@sydney.edu.au

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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