UNSW Sydney

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The vibrant and interdisciplinary Stem Cell & Cancer Group is focusing on targeting cancer stem cells to prevent relapse in pancreatic cancer, one of the most devastating human cancers. It has now become evident that cancer heterogeneity is promoted by so-called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for intraclonal heterogeneity, are driving metastasis and are inherently resistant to chemotherapy. Specifically, CSCs represent a subset of cancer cells, for which we and other have provided conclusive evidence down to the single-cell level that they represent the root of the disease by giving rise to all differentiated progenies within each cancer subclone (e.g. Cell Stem Cell 2007, 2011, 2015, Cell Metab 2015, Cancer Cell 2014, 2016, Nat Methods 2014). We now aim to improve the still dismal outcome of pancreatic cancer by systematically developing new strategies that target these highly tumourigenic and metastatic CSCs.

About the role
Junior PostDoctoral Research Fellows (2 x positions)
Senior PostDoctoral Research Fellows (2 x positions)

• $103,047 - $121,478 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading
• Fixed Term (2 years)
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will lead independent research projects within the Group in order to jointly realise the objectives and development of our research programme on the “Identification and validation of novel targets against cancer stem cells”, thereby contributing to the overall scientific endeavour of the Group. The successful candidate will be focusing on two candidate genes, for which we already generated preliminary in vitro data validating their potential as novel CSC targets. The project will span a broad spectrum of advanced in vitro and in vivo techniques. All techniques have been developed/established in the lab. The project will start ASAP.

About the successful applicant
To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD (or MD) thesis in life science or a related discipline
• An in-depth understanding of cancer and/or stem cell biology
• A track record in publishing scientific research papers in a relevant area or field, and experience in grant writing
• Research laboratory experience, e.g. advanced molecular biology techniques, cell sorting and confocal microscopy, in vivo mouse experimentation, especially cancer models
• Understanding of the research process and active contribution to the project development process
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application. Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Contact:
Prof. Christopher Heeschen, Head, Stem Cells in Cancer Group
E: c.heeschen@unsw.edu.au
T: (61 2) 9385 100

Applications close: 14 May 2018