• Make an important contribution to the health of children through medical research
• Work with one of Australia’s most respected national and independent medical research institutes
• Located in Westmead, one of Sydney’s and Australia’s major biomedical research hubs   
• Salary range (RO1$89,384-RO2$92,667) + Super + benefits

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the world’s most highly regarded independent medical research centres. Our research focuses on the areas of embryonic development and birth defects, cancer, neuroscience and gene therapy and we have a strong international reputation based on our research outcomes. 

The Stem Cell Medicine Group (https://www.cmri.org.au/stemcellmedicine) led by Dr Gonzalez-Cordero works on modelling of inherited retinal degenerations with strong emphasis gene therapy and translational research.

We have expertise in Stem Cell technology and organoids generating humans eye models to understand disease mechanism and develop new therapies. The group foster collaborations between various areas of research in the Institute and around Australia.

We currently have a Research Officer position available in the Stem Cell Medicine Group.  

Project: The research project available aims to investigate the pathophysiology of inherited retinal diseases using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and their retinal derivatives organoids. Benefitting from an established study set-up we aim to combine stem cell technology, ‘omics’, and genome editing gene therapy to determine the mechanisms leading to ocular degeneration in common retinal disease, such as Ushers disease and to develop new therapeutic approaches using gene therapy.

Environment: The candidate will be part of the recently established Stem Cell Medicine Group. We have extensive experience in pluripotent stem cells and gene therapies. We have access to state-of-the-art research facilities within Westmead Hub, including the Vector and Genome Engineering Facility crucial to support our gene therapy projects.

Candidate: The successful candidates must hold a PhD in a related subject (applications from candidates who have recently submitted their thesis will be considered). Successful applicant(s) will have relevant skills in tissue culture techniques and experience with stem cells is desirable but not essential. Molecular biology experience is essential and gene therapy background is a plus.

Candidate(s) will need to demonstrate academic excellence and personal drive. The position requires someone that is enthusiastic, focused and has passion for cutting edge research.

This appointment is available for 1 year and continuing tenure is subject to satisfactory performance, the availability of funding and the requirements of research projects within the Unit.

You will be provided with a competitive remuneration package in accordance with qualifications and experience. Additional benefits include the provision of a Public Benevolent Institution salary packaging scheme and participation in an employer-contributed superannuation fund.

Applications should include a cover letter (citing PV2149), curriculum vitae and contact details (phone/email) of three professional referees and be forwarded to recruitment@cmri.org.au 

We will interview suitable candidates as applications are received. The closing date for applications is 11^th November.

Please direct enquiries regarding the position to Dr Anai Gonzalez Cordero, Group Leader, agonzalez-cordero@cmri.org.au.