About

Full time, 2-year fixed term position, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES) Work at the interface of functional neuroscience and therapeutic discovery, generating mechanistic data that directly informs the development of next‑generation medicines for neurological disorders Base Salary, Academic Level A $113,400 - $121,054 + 17% superannuation About the opportunity The School of Life and Environmental Sciences is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Ion Channel & Receptor Physiology) to focus on the functional characterisation of ion channels and receptors relevant to neurological disorders, with a strong emphasis on linking molecular perturbations to neuronal function and behaviour. The role is centred on functional physiology, using electrophysiology and calcium imaging as core tools, supported by molecular biology, cell culture, and in vivo experiments. The successful candidate will lead mechanistic, function-first research programs that inform therapeutic development across multiple modalities (e.g. small molecules, antibodies, RNA-based approaches). Your key responsibilities will be to: work closely with the laboratory head, senior researchers, and internal and external collaborators design and perform electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging experiments to assess ion channel and receptor function quantitatively link molecular perturbations to neuronal excitability, synaptic, and circuit‑level outcomes conduct molecular biology, cloning, and cell culture to support functional assays contribute to in vivo experiments and behavioural analyses relevant to neurological disorders interpret results in a translational context and contribute to manuscripts, grants, and collaborative programs About you The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Ion Channel & Receptor Physiology) who has: a PhD in neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology, or a related discipline strong hands‑on experience in electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging experience with molecular biology and mammalian cell culture experience contributing to in vivo and behavioural neuroscience studies the ability to independently design, execute, and interpret functional experiments an interest in translational neuroscience or therapeutic discovery. Pre-employment checks Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. EEO statement At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 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. For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply. For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Simon Drew, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au © The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. Click to view the Position Description for this role. Applications Close Sunday 15 March 2026 11:59 PM Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! So once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you! The University values are excellence, trust and accountability. The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. The University of Sydney may conduct routine pre-employment checks before an appointment is made. Want to know more about working at the University of Sydney? https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us.html