Postdoctoral Fellow

Classification: Academic Level A
Salary package: $85,010-$106,702 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full time, Fixed term (until 29 December 2029)

Be part of a national initiative shaping the future of mRNA-based therapies. The National Therapeutic mRNA Platform (NTRP), hosted at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR), is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join a team committed to building Australia’s sovereign capability in mRNA therapeutics. Backed by world-class infrastructure and an interdisciplinary research environment, this is an opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge national platform with global ambitions.

The Position

As Postdoctoral Fellow, you’ll focus on innovative research in epitranscriptomic engineering and RNA translation, with an emphasis on applications in mRNA therapeutics. Your work will span independent research, collaborative projects, and contributions to teaching and service. You’ll have access to facilities such as the ANU Centre for Therapeutic Discovery and the Biomolecular Resource Facility, and you’ll work closely with computational biologists, biomedical researchers, and other RNA experts.

The Person

We're looking for someone with a strong background in RNA biology and a drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible in RNA-based therapeutics. You’ll bring:

• A PhD (or near completion) in medical research, RNA biology, or a related discipline

• A track record of independent research in RNA biology and epitranscriptomics, including computational analysis using nanopore sequencing and RNA translation in mammalian systems

• Evidence of research innovation in RNA modification, structural analysis, protein engineering, translational regulation, RNA degradation, and RNA direct sequencing using Nanopore technologies

• A demonstrated ability to publish high-quality research and present findings at national or international conferences

We’re after someone who’s both technically capable and intellectually curious—someone who thrives in a collaborative setting but also has the initiative to drive their own research forward.

If you’re excited by the challenge of contributing to a major national effort in mRNA therapeutics, we encourage you to apply.

The School

The John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) is a multi-disciplinary institute with strong research organised into three Divisions, Genome Sciences and Cancer, Immunology, and Neuroscience. Advanced computational biology and RNA biology are strengths of the JCSMR that have been consolidated at the Centre for Computational Biomedical Sciences (CCBS) and the Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, respectively. The CCBS leads research by developing innovative computational tools, and scalable and secured data infrastructures, empowering ANU and JCSMR roles in national and global research initiatives and collaborations with academia, government, and industry.

The College

The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Physics, and Science Communication and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres.  Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities. 

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For further information please contact, Dr Gaetan Burgio, E: Gaetan.Burgio@anu.edu.au  

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities.  For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details.

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.

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process.  An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.