AddressStructural Biologist, WEHI Ventures (Murphy Lab)
An opportunity exists for a full-time Venture Research Officer / Venture Senior Research Officer to join the newly created and growing WEHI Ventures team at WEHI, working embedded within the Murphy laboratory. This role is part of a WEHI Ventures drug discovery project that is focused on developing novel small molecule therapies that target epigenetic silencing as potential treatment for the rare neurodevelopmental disorder Prader-Willi Syndrome.
About the Position
WEHI Ventures aims to improve human health outcomes and maximise the impact of WEHI's discovery science through the development of innovative products and services. Spinout company formation and licensing WEHI intellectual property to spinouts, as well as licensing WEHI intellectual property (IP) to industry players are the pathways that WEHI Ventures is using to commercialise its discoveries. WEHI Ventures will achieve these goals through the deployment and management of its committed 66ten Fund ($66M over the next 10 years), as well as through the contribution of expertise of WEHI Ventures team members.
The Venture Research Officer / Venture Senior Research Officer position is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a 66ten-funded project by generating data crucial for progression towards the clinic/commercial endpoint and provides a unique pathway for career development and growth. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn more about, and contribute meaningfully to, drug discovery and development within a venture capital funded project.
This position will oversee protein science and structural biology aspects of the drug discovery project. Primary responsibilities will include solving cryoEM and/or X-ray crystal structures of protein-small molecule complexes to help drive development of a small molecule inhibitor. The position will assess small molecule binding by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and lead further development of biochemical and biophysical assays. The Venture Research Officer / Venture Senior Research Officer will work in a cross-disciplinary, milestone focused, commercial project team with other members of the WEHI Ventures team, as well as with other members of the Murphy lab. The successful applicant is expected to take responsibility for all aspects of the work, including reporting back to the rest of the project team.
Selection Criteria
- A relevant doctoral qualification plus postdoctoral experience, or equivalent experience in an industry setting.
- Extensive experience solving protein structures using cryoEM is essential.
- Experience solving protein structures using X-ray crystallography will be extremely well regarded.
- Experience with Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), as well as other biophysical techniques (e.g. ITC, DSF, MST).
- Experience with biochemical enzyme assays.
- Experience in molecular biology, protein expression, purification and characterisation.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a team environment.
- Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that data, methods and theories are accurate, of high-quality and accessible to other researchers.
- Basic computer skills and ability to accurately record data, results and the development of new methods and theories.
- Ability to manage time effectively and be reliable and approachable.
- Ability to work on a commercially focused, milestone-driven project.
Terms of appointment
This position is available for three years. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.
- Senior Research Officer, Level B ($109,778 - $130,353) or;
- Research Officer, Level A6 - A8 ($97,152 - $104,281).
Specific questions about this opportunity may be directed to Dr Nicholas Liau (******@wehi.edu.au) or Professor James Murphy (******@wehi.edu.au).
A position description is available for Venture Senior Research Officer and Venture Research Officer.
How to apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.
Application closing date: 26 May 2024
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WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.
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At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.
Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.
WEHI's commitment to Indigenous employment
WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.
