Research Fellow (Neurodegeneration & Proteostasis)

The Opportunity

The Group of Dr Nadinath B. Nillegoda at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University is seeking a dedicated and passionate Research Fellow interested in studying protein quality control pathways that prevent the accumulation of aggregated proteins and help repair cells using interdisciplinary approaches.

The Research Fellow (Proteostasis) will support the Group Leader on a research grant titled “Identification of disaggregase modulators: a new class of anti-neurodegenerative drugs”.

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are often characterized by the formation and persistence of protein aggregates (amyloids) in neuronal tissue that initiate the disease process by a gain-of-toxicity mechanism. Despite global efforts to bolster dementia research, there are currently no effective treatments or cures. Our ground-breaking research uncovered the primary protein aggregate solubilizing machine (disaggregase) constituted by the Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) chaperone system in human cells. This discovery introduced a previously unacknowledged metazoan cellular repair activity fundamentally important for decreasing cellular aggregate levels and the associated cytotoxicities linked to neurodegeneration.

The proposed work revolves around dissecting the gene regulators and identifying small molecule regulators of protein disaggregases, a first in the field - The small molecule regulators will provide the basis to develop a new class of anti-neurodegenerative drugs.

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual with a doctoral qualification or progress towards a doctoral qualification in cellular protein quality control systems, neurodegeneration, cell repair, molecular chaperones and proteostasis. Exceptional candidates from other fields in cell biology, biochemistry and neuroscience will also be considered.

A strong track record of publications directly linked to proteostasis and/or characterization of proteins using cutting edge biochemical and biophysical techniques in peer-reviewed journals is a must. Required techniques/methods include extensive knowledge in proteostasis, neurodegeneration, cellular protein quality control pathways, protein folding and molecular chaperones, protein aggregation and cellular stress pathways and/or protein degradation.

This role is a full-time position; however, flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.

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Your application must address the selection criteria. For instructions on how to apply, please refer to "How to apply for Monash Jobs".

Enquiries

Dr Nadinath Nillegoda, Group Leader, +61 3 9905 3636

Position Description

Research Fellow (Neurodegeneration & Proteostasis)

Closing Date

Sunday 31 July 2022, 11:55pm AEST

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