About Us

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is a medical research institute specialising in the brain and mind and is one of the world’s top 10 brain research centres. We employ exceptionally talented people who work to solve the greatest brain and mind challenges of our era. Our staff and students are the bedrock of our research and success, and we strive for excellence by fostering partnerships and empowering people. At the Florey our mission-driven culture enables our people to collaborate, thrive, learn, make ground-breaking discoveries and advance humanity through brain and mind science.

About the role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in electrophysiology to join the Ion Channels and Human Diseases laboratory at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Our laboratory uses multidisciplinary approaches involving conventional patch clamp and dynamic clamp electrophysiology, imaging, stem cell and transgenic animal models.

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Participate in a well-funded research program and will work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary research team aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms in genetic epilepsy. The specific goals of this research position include the investigation of the biophysical properties of neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel variants to predict their impact on neuronal excitability.
• Perform conventional single cell and brain slice electrophysiology. The candidate will be also trained to use the dynamic clamp approach. Previous experience with the patch clamp recording technique and basic understanding of ion channel biophysics is essential.
• Conduct ion channel pharmacology research and contribute to the discovery, development, and evaluation of therapeutic compounds targeting ion channels.
• The results of this research will be pivotal in the process of identifying appropriate candidates for clinical trials of novel therapies aiming at treating neurodevelopmental disorders caused by sodium channel mutations.
• The candidate will be required to present and defend functional data to various internal and external partners and collaborators. We expect applications from self-motivated candidates, who possess exceptional organisational and time management skills, and excellent interpersonal skills along with the ability to work both independently and within a team.

 Detailed information and key responsibilities are available from the Position Description. 

This position is fixed term, full-time role. The role attracts an annual salary offer ranging from Research Officer 1 (RO1) $91,681 to Senior Research Officer 1 (SRO1) $103,593, commensurate with experience.

Applicants who meet the criteria listed in the Position Description should submit their resume together with a cover letter no later than 3 January 2025.

About you:

The successful candidate will have:

• Doctorate degree in Biological Sciences and/or Ion channel research related field.
• A PhD in physiology/electrophysiology or related field; previous experience with electrophysiology recording techniques, brain slice preparation and recordings, molecular biology protocols, and cell culture will be an advantage.
• Applicants should provide a cover letter, a statement of research interests with their CV and the names of at least three references. Salary will be commensurate with experience and University stipulations.

What we offer:

Working at the Florey offers you the chance to work with a dedicated group of researchers within a culture that focuses on equity, diversity and collaboration. Other benefits include:

• Generous salary packaging to maximise your benefits
• Up to 17% superannuation

• Wellbeing initiatives including flexible working opportunities

If you’re inspired to make a positive difference, apply now.

At the Florey our future focus starts with an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion and a desire to provide a place to tremendous opportunity to everyone.

We seek and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds and cultures including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGTBQI+, veterans and people with disability.

For enquiries please contact our Human Resources Team on employment@florey.edu.au.

All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check.