Job opportunities

An exciting opportunity exists to join a successful research group as part of a partnership between The Heart Research Institute, the University of Sydney’s School of Chemistry and Charles Perkins Centre, a world class research and education precinct that aims to develop a new therapeutic ecosystem to address the global epidemic of stroke, thrombosis and diabetes – the leading causes of mortality and disability in Australia.

THE HEART RESEARCH INSTITUTE (HRI) is a centre of excellence in cardiovascular medical research, affiliated with the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney located in Newtown, Sydney. The primary focus of the Institute is to make fundamental discoveries in cardiovascular research that will advance the detection, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

The SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY is the node of chemical innovation at the University of Sydney that drive breakthroughs in energy, health and the environment and provides state-of-the-art laboratories and cutting-edge instrumentation to support therapeutic innovation. Chemical synthesis will be conducted within the recently refurbished Cornforth and Robinson labs. Within these labs the successful candidate will have full access to cutting-edge instrumentation available through the ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, as well as a suite of HPLC, LCMS and high-field NMR instruments housed within the School of Chemistry.

THE CHARLES PERKINS CENTRE is one of the University’s flagship research centres committed to improving global health, developing innovative, cross-disciplinary teaching programs to inspire the next generation of biomedical researchers, and facilitating and forging new research partnerships within and beyond the University to enable the centre to deliver unique insights and results in cardiovascular research.

Research Program

By capitalising on the protein engineering strategy exploited by Proteolysis-targeting chimera technology, the research program led by Dr Xuyu Liu aims to develop novel therapeutic modalities to empower precision intervention of dysregulated signalling proteins in ischaemic stroke and thrombosis. The program incorporates a substantial cross-disciplinary collaboration across multiple research initiatives and institutes within the University that specialise in translating scientific discovery into practical solutions and commercialisation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to drive drug discovery projects that are multidisciplinary in nature, involving a combination of solution- and solid-phase organic synthesis, targeted/untargeted chemical proteomics, drug screening technologies and cutting-edge phenotypic assessment.

By bringing together our best minds from across the academic spectrum through cross-disciplinary collaboration, the partnership between The Heart Research Institute, the School of Chemistry and the Charles Perkins Centre is addressing the global crisis in stroke, thrombosis and diabetes. For more information on the research programs underpinned by the partnership visit Cardiovascular-protective Signalling & Drug Discovery • HRI

The position

The successful applicant will join a dynamic research program in the Cardiovascular Protective Signalling and Drug Discovery Group of HRI, headed by Dr Xuyu Liu (2023 ARC DECRA fellow and 2019 Sydney Cardiovascular Fellow) involving collaborative research with local and international research groups, including Professor Shaun Jackson (Director of Cardiovascular Research HRI & Charles Perkins Centre) and Professor Richard Payne (Deputy Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science).

Selection criteria – you will have:

• A PhD specialising in synthetic chemistry or a relevant area of chemical science
• A proven track record in the relevant area
• High levels of self-motivation and capacity for independent work with a strong commitment for completing milestones/projects in a timely manner
• Experience in mentoring research students in the lab
• Demonstrated ability in undertaking collaborative research with proven ability to establish a good working relationship with colleagues and students
• Good interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills

Desirable criteria – you will have:

• Experience in chemical synthesis of natural products or PROTAC molecules
• Experience in synthetic methodology development
• Experience in operating HPLC and LCMS instruments

Position requirements:

In addition to the listed criteria, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the research program by performing a range of research related tasks which may include the following:

• Assist in the conduct and design of experiments
• Assist in the general supervision of students in the laboratory
• Assist in the preparation of documents (for grant applications and research/conference papers)
• Provide administrative and financial management support for research projects and programs including the maintenance of electronic data bases and records
• Maintain lab equipment and materials including waste disposal and ordering supplies

The position is full time, however flexible working arrangements may be negotiated. The preferred commencement date is 1 March 2023 but can be negotiated. The appointment period is for 24 months with a six-month probation period. You will be employed by the Heart Research Institute but will be required to work at our premises at Charles Perkins Centre and laboratories within the School of Chemistry located at the University of Sydney. This is an outstanding opportunity to develop skills and gain valuable experience conducting innovative research in state-of-the-art facilities.

We offer:

A competitive remuneration package, along with generous not-for-profit salary-packaging options.

How to apply:

Your application should include:

• a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with potential commencement date, response to selection criteria
• the names and full contact details of three professional referees (including email addresses)

Further information can be obtained by contacting Dr Xuyu Liu by email at xuyu.liu@hri.org.au

Closing Date:

Applications close on 31 January 2023, however applications will be assessed and shortlisted as they are received, so please apply as soon as possible.

Eligibility:

HRI will provide appropriate visa and/or relocation support for all eligible candidates.

Please note: Due to the volume of applications expected, only short-listed candidates may be contacted.

This is a Category A position according to the NSW Health Policy - Occupational Assessment, Screening Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases. The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of protection against the infectious diseases specified, at their own cost, prior to appointment.

The Heart Research Institute supports Equal Employment Opportunity. We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, LGBTQI individuals and applicants of diverse cultures and ages.