"Full-time, 1-Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility to extend for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in RNA Epigenetics"

About the opportunity

The School of Medical Sciences is recognised as one of the leading centres for medical science education in the world. With over 100 years of excellence in education, we are proud to be training the next generation of medical scientists who will be leading members of the medical research community with an innovative integrated curriculum. Our team of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from molecules to medicines, from patient to policy across a range of therapeutic areas.

We are currently seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate in RNA Epigenetics who can apply and refine their expertise in research methodologies, design and delivery to contribute to the university's standing as a national leader in the discipline. Working in the team led by Dr Justin Wong, the primary purpose of this role is to elucidate novel functions of RNA modifications in physiology and cancer. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to dissect the hitherto unknown role of RNA methylation in altering gene expression and alternative splicing that cause diverse human cancers. They engage in research either independently or as part of a research team.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Conduct original research independently or as part of a team, focusing on publication, conference presentations, and securing research funding
• bring and maintain a research profile including (as appropriate) publication of book chapters/ peer-reviewed journal articles, producing conference/ seminar papers either independently or as part of a team (within the University or externally)
• develop research collaborations and engage in translational research that result in knowledge or technology transfer leading to commercialisation, improved policy or practice, or enhancement to industry, the profession or community
• contributes significantly to successful applications for competitive research grants and/ or funding to deliver research impact
• maintain quality, standards and excellence in research activities and output
• provide training, informal mentoring, and guidance to lower-level academics and supervise postgraduate research students or projects where appropriate
• attends and contributes to School/Faculty/Portfolio meetings
• contribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence and achieving outcomes are valued and enabled
• understand and contribute to furthering the university and faculty/school strategic agenda
• contribute expertise and knowledge through communication with industry, forums of public debate, organisation of public events, seminars, and conferences
• contributes to the strategic direction of the Faculty/ School
• develops productive relationships, collaborations and partnerships with external parties (including research partners, government bodies and industry) which will ultimately contribute to improved outcomes for the profession, industry and/or community
• undertake other duties and contribute to projects appropriate within the classification level as required.

About you

You are required to have:

• a PhD in a relevant field (Molecular and Cellular Biology, Epigenetics, RNA Biology)
• a developing research profile evidenced by original, high-quality and independent research publications in this field and / or related fields of practice
• extensive experience in animal cell culture, molecular cloning (e.g. Gibson, Goldengate), CRISPR-mediated gene editing (particularly to edit RNA), lentivirus handling, fluourescent cell imaging, flow cytometry,in vivo mice experiments, next generation sequencing
• demonstrated ability to work autonomously, evaluate the literature, design and direct experiments to completion
• excellent attention to detail and demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and reliable scientific records
• well-developed verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills

Other desirable criteria

• familiarity with Nanopore direct sequencing, single cell and spatial transcriptomics
• knowledge in bioinformatics (e.g. R programming and Bioconductor packages)

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 include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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.

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Jenny Seo, Recruitment Operations, by email to jenny.seo@sydney.edu.au

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Monday 19 January 2026 11:59 PM