Full time fixed term for 3 years at Charles Perkins Centre Exciting opportunity for a Principal Investigator to contribute to research focused project within the Save Sight Institute located at Charles Perkins Centre Base Salary $181,166 - $199,585 + 17% superannuation About the opportunity We are seeking an innovative and motivated RNA Engineer to join our research team at the Save Sight Institute, Camperdown Campus, University of Sydney. The successful candidate will spearhead the development of novel oligonucleotide-based therapies targeting metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction in optic nerve diseases, such as glaucoma and inherited mitochondrial disorders. This position involves advancing candidate RNA therapeutic platforms and integrating them into the Optic Nerve Research Collaborative Australia (ORCA), a national initiative focused on breakthroughs in optic nerve disease research. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of innovation in RNA technology and experience in translating novel platforms into preclinical or clinical programs. An interest in entrepreneurship and commercialization is highly desirable, as the role offers opportunities for involvement in biotech start-ups and spin-off ventures. This is a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of RNA therapeutics in ophthalmology, with a direct impact on the treatment of optic nerve diseases. Your key responsibilities will be to: take a lead role in establishing and leading an innovative research group that develops and translates therapeutic oligonucleotides for optic nerve and neurodegenerative diseases expand our expertise in computational design of ribonucleic acids (RNA) for enhancement (processing, nuclear export, translatability of RNA), inhibition (antisense, RNAi) or repair (spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing, CRISPR/Cas-triggered RNA-guided genome editing) of gene expression towards diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. contribute to leading a section of a major research program developing new treatments for glaucoma and optic nerve disease contribute and coordinate to the research and administration activities of the discipline develop research collaborations which will ultimately result in knowledge or technology transfer leading to commercialization, improved policy or practice and/or enhancements to industry assist with future grant applications and supervision of Ph D students. About you have a Ph D in an academic field relevant to the discipline demonstrate strong expertise and experience in undertaking oligonucleotide therapeutic development have demonstrated expertise in the design and conduct of translational research advanced expertise in in-silico, lab-based and pre-clinical research with a proven focus on gene and RNA therapy design and translation experience in and proven ability to supervise standard molecular biology techniques demonstrates a track record of impactful research and publications in their field demonstrates a track record in innovation, enterprise and development of therapeutic candidates through to pre-clinical phase demonstrated ability to be an excellent mentor for junior scientists as evidenced by supervision, mentoring, and support demonstrates a strong track record of effectively working in multi-disciplinary teams, industry and professional institutions, health partners, and stakeholders Pre-employment checks Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. EEO statement At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. How to apply Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Deepna Chand, Recruitment Operations by email at Applications Close Thursday 21 November 2024 11:59 PM #J-18808-Ljbffr