Postdoctoral Research Fellow – discipline of protein chemistry, protein engineering and molecular evolution

• The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

• Academic Level A

• Fixed-term position through to 31 December 2024

• Closing 29 November 2022 at 11.00pm AEST (R-19302)

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to focus their efforts on developing their expertise and emerging research profile in the discipline of protein chemistry and molecular biology. Our laboratory focuses on the study of enzymes that degrade β-lactam antibiotics, with special reference to B3-type metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs).

This project focuses on understanding the evolution of true β-lactamase activity within the namesake superfamily of MBL-fold-containing proteins, which contains numerous subgroups with distinct primary activities (e.g. nuclease, phosphatase, lactonase, sulfatase, etc. ) but also promiscuous β-lactamase activity. We aim to I) map the evolution, distribution and diversity of extant members of the superfamily, II) study precursors of the different subfamilies through Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction, and III) identify structural motifs associated with efficient β-lactamase activity and select for mutations which convert MBL-like proteins into efficient β-lactamases.

The candidate for this position will be involved in the biochemical aspects of the project as well as be expected to contribute to service and engagement roles.

 Key responsibilities will include: 

1. Research

• Develop a coherent research program and an emerging research profile in molecular cell biology and biochemistry. The project relating to this position will revolve around the expression, purification, and kinetic as well as structural characterisation of members of the MBL-fold protein superfamily.

• Design and conduct independent experiments under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.

• Identify proteins of interest within the superfamily to express and purify for further characterisation. Experience in molecular biology and protein purification techniques is highly desirable.

• Drive the kinetic characterisation of a wide range of proteins from the metallo-beta-lactamase family. Experience with spectroscopic (e.g. UV-Vis), fluorescence-based (e.g. FRET, TRF), and chromatographic (e.g. LC, GC) assays and instruments is desirable, as well as experience in high-throughput methods.

• Prepare research publications and progress reports. Participate in regular meetings to discuss project objectives, methodology and outcomes.

• Maintain experimental record keeping of projects, whilst demonstrating autonomy and personal initiative to assist with laboratory organisation and documentation.

• Produces quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high quality outlets.

• Participate in applications for competitive research funding support.

• Work with colleagues and postgraduates in the development of interdisciplinary joint research projects.

• Review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.

2. Supervision and Researcher Development

• Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students (as appropriate).

• Demonstrates personal effectiveness in supervision and the management of researcher development.

• Effectively lead and develop supervisee performance and conduct by providing feedback, coaching, and professional development.

• As appropriate, manage research support staff effectively throughout the employee lifecycle in accordance with University policy and procedures.

• Working to promptly resolve conflict and grievances when they arise in accordance with University policy and procedures.

3. Citizenship and Service

• Demonstrate citizenship behaviours that align to the UQ values.

• Shows leadership of self through collaboration and active participation in priority activities

This role is subject to The University’s Code of Conduct .  

About The School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences (SCMB) & Australian Centre for Ecogenomics (ACE)  

This position is located at our picturesque St Lucia campus , renowned as one of Australia’s most attractive university campuses, and located just 7km from Brisbane’s city centre. Bounded by the Brisbane River on three sides, and with outstanding public transport connections, our 114-hectare site provides a perfect work environment – you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a vibrant campus with the tradition of an established university.

The Australian Centre for Ecogenomics (ACE) is a dynamic and exciting research environment that brings together leading researchers in molecular microbial ecology, evolution and bioinformatics. ACE is located within the School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences (SCMB) at the University of Queensland and features modern laboratories with in-house sequencing capacity and high performance computing. See also: ACE Website and SCMB Website .

About You  

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in bio-related areas (e.g. molecular biology, biochemistry, etc .)

• An emerging profile in research in the discipline area.

• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.

• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities

• A commitment to participating in a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and safe research laboratory environment.

What We Can Offer 

This is a full-time (100% FTE) fixed-term position through to 31 December 2024 at Academic Level A.

The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range of $72,144.35- $96,530.67 per annum plus super of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be in the range $84,408.89 – $112,940.88 per annum. 

For further information about UQ’s benefits, please visit Why Work at UQ and review The University of Queensland’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018 – 2021 . 

 
Questions? 

To discuss this role please contact Professor Gary Schenk ([email protected] ) or  Professor Phil Hugenholtz ([email protected] ).

For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject line. 
 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section  

• Resume 

Please note that you will be asked to add all documents into the one upload box labelled ‘resume’, which is step one of the application form.

About the Selection Process 

Please note applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. The University of Queensland reserves the right to close this application process early.

   
To satisfy pre-requisite questions and ensure your application can be considered in full, all candidates must apply via the UQ Careers portal by the job closing deadline or will not be accepted. 
 

Other Information 

Mandatory Immunisations: It is a condition of employment for this role that you will be required to provide evidence of immunisation against certain vaccine preventable diseases.

Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.  

At UQ we know that our greatest strengths come from our diverse mix of colleagues, this is reflected in our ongoing commitment to creating an environment focused on equity, diversity and inclusion .  We ensure that we are always attracting, retaining and promoting colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our broader community, whether that be  gender identity ,  LGBTQIA+ ,  cultural and/or linguistic ,  Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples , or  people with a disability . Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to  [email protected]  

If you are a current employee of the University, or hold an unpaid or affiliate appointment with the University, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.