RESEARCH ASSOCIATE  (REF: 2989)

SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL, BIOMOLECULAR AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES

Structural Biology of Molecular Targets from Helicobacter pylori

·                21 month appointment

·        Salary range:  Level A $53,542 - $72,537 p.a. - minimum starting salary for appointee with PhD will be $70,058 p.a.

·                Closing date:  Friday, 19 February 2010

The School is undertaking research aimed at elucidating the structural and functional mechanisms of molecular targets from Helicobacter pylori, involved in immune evasion by the organism.  The project is highly cross disciplinary in nature involving crystallographic studies carried out in the Vrielink Laboratory, organic chemistry synthesis and inhibitor design in the Stubbs Laboratory and in vivo functional studies in the group of Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall.  The overarching aim of this project is to design inhibitors of key target enzymes that can be used as novel therapeutic agents to treat H.pylori infections.

A postdoctoral position is available to pursue crystallographic studies of the target proteins.  The position will involve developing protein expression and purification protocols followed by downstream crystallographic studies.  Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent in Biochemistry or a related discipline and with experience at macromolecular crystallography.  A strong background in molecular biology, protein expression and purification would be highly advantageous. The appointee will carry out research in the Vrielink laboratory but will also be part of a multidisciplinary team within the School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences involving chemists and microbiologists with outstanding expertise at the study of H.pylori.  As such this position offers excellent opportunities to interact across multiple disciplines and hence extend research expertise and career development.

The Structural Biology Laboratory at the University has outstanding facilities for protein expression and purification as well as in-house X-ray facilities including a rotating anode generator and two MAR Imaging plate detectors.  Cyrstallization robots are also available or crystallization experiments.  High resolution X-ray data collection will be carried out at the Australian Synchrotron.

Perth is a thriving and vibrant city, which lies along the Indian Ocean and benefits from outstanding natural beauty and many opportunities for outdoor activities.  Benefits include superannuation and salary packaging opportunities.  Some assistance with relocation expenses may be negotiated.

For further information regarding the position please contact Alice Vrielink by email [log in to unmask].

* PLEASE NOTE: The University will be closed from Friday 25 December 2009 until Tuesday 5 January 2010.

Application Details: For copies of the position description please access the website http://jobs.uwa.edu.au/.  Written applications quoting the reference number, personal contact details, qualifications and experience, along with contact details of three referees should be sent to Director, Human Resources, The University of Western Australia, M350, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009 or emailed to [log in to unmask] by the closing date.