Research Fellow in Glycine Receptor Proteomics
- UniSC School of Health | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
- Full-time (36.25 Hrs per week), fixed-term appointment for 2 years
- Academic Level B - $114,751 - $136,143 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
The School of Heath (SOH)
Where Passion Meets Impact - Join the School of Health!
Are you eager to make a difference in health education and research? Join our dedicated team of researchers and educators at the School of Health (SOH). We have a strong focus on cultivating healthy minds, bodies, and environments through our teaching, research, and outreach efforts. With a purpose that extends regionally and impacts globally, we are committed to advancing knowledge in the health sector and improving the well-being of our communities. Together, let's create healthier communities now and for the generations to come.
For more information, please visit us online: School of Health
The Opportunity
Join an exciting Australian Research Council Discovery Project, Unlocking the proteomics of synaptic glycine receptor complexes, and help drive breakthrough discoveries at the intersection of neuroscience and proteomics. This project will explore glycine receptors (GlyRs), critical for spinal motor output, pain processing, and cortical neuronal migration, using cutting-edge techniques including using GlyR subtype-specific antibodies and knockout mice in high-fidelity proteomics, super-resolution microscopy, and artificial synapses. The research is expected to deliver the first comprehensive proteomic analysis of synaptic GlyR complexes, characterise a new class of auxiliary subunits, and strengthen global collaborations through the international Synaptic Gene Ontologies initiative.
In this role, you’ll take a lead in project management and delivery, contributing across the full research lifecycle, from study design, data collection, and analysis to interpretation, reporting, and publication. You’ll also support student supervision, foster strong collaborative relationships, and bring expertise in data acquisition and analysis to ensure high-quality outcomes. This is an opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking project that will expand fundamental knowledge and enhance Australia’s global standing in neuroscience research.
You will:
- Conduct innovative research: take the lead in designing and conducting innovative research projects aligned with your expertise and UniSC’s research priorities. Employ rigorous methodologies and stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
- Publish research findings: disseminate research findings through high-impact publications in reputable journals, conferences, and other scholarly outlets. Contribute to UniSC’s reputation as a leader in cutting-edge research.
- Collaborate with research team: engage in collaborative research efforts with other members of the research team, fostering a supportive and productive research environment. Contribute your expertise and knowledge to interdisciplinary projects.
- Secure research funding: actively participate in securing research grants and funding opportunities to support your research projects. Demonstrate the potential impact of your research to attract external funding.
- Contribute to research impact: communicate and present research outcomes to various stakeholders, including academic peers, policymakers, and the public. Demonstrate how your research contributes to addressing real-world challenges and has a broader societal impact.
About you:
You’re a driven and accomplished researcher with a proven record of high-quality publications, strong methodological expertise, and a collaborative mindset. Proactive in seeking research funding, you’re committed to producing impactful work that tackles real-world challenges. Your passion for advancing knowledge and creating meaningful change is matched by your dedication to delivering outcomes that leave a lasting contribution in your field.
You will possess:
- Completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant field and experience as a laboratory-based researcher;
- Foundational knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and proteomics. Expertise in the field of synaptic biology or neurotransmitter receptors is highly desirable;
- A demonstrated ability in molecular/cellular biology or proteomic techniques. Experience with PCR, molecular cloning, plasmid preparation, mutagenesis, DNA sequencing and proteomic methods (e.g., immunoprecipitation, Western blotting) is highly desirable;
- Refereed publications and other acknowledged research outputs that are discipline specific. Applicants must clearly identify their contribution as distinct from other contributors and provide evidence of the quality of the output (impact factor, citations etc);
- External funding (internal and external) awarded over the last five years. In the case of research fellowship applicants, internal grants will also be considered as part of the assessment process. Applicants must clearly identify their contribution as distinct from other contributors;
- Esteem measures (key note addresses or invitations to present, prizes and awards, committee/board membership etc);
- Technology transfer activities;
- Outreach activities (including engagement with external partners); and
- Supervision of research students. In the case of all applicants, supervision of higher degree research students and number of completions will also be taken into consideration.
UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.
Position Description: 
493546 - Research Fellow in Glycine Receptor Proteomics.pdf
UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.
All applications must be lodged through our website.
Applications for this position close midnight, Friday 12 September 2025.
Your completed application must include:
- a resume, and responses to specific pre-determined selection criteria as outlined in the application form.
Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team
UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au
We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life
Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Professor Robert Harvey
Associate Dean, Research – School of health
Telephone: 07 5430 1294
Email: rharvey2@usc.edu.au
We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.
We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland.
Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 research fields ranked well above world standard, characterised by evidence of outstanding performance according to the Excellence Research for Australia Rankings. In 2024, we moved 97 places to be in the top 110 institutions in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings (2024)
We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve local and global challenges.
Our Culture & Benefits:
- Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
- Modern teaching & research facilities.
- Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
- We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
- Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
- Salary packing options + 17% Super.
- EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.
