Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Synaptic Biology and Molecular Neuroscience

Job Description:

• Queensland Brain Institute
• Part-time (80%), fixed-term position for up to 6 months
• Base salary will be in the range $83,689 - $111,431 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to cutting-edge research in synaptic biology and molecular neuroscience, with a focus on understanding how synaptic protein organisation shapes inhibitory synapse function. Working within a high-impact, collaborative research program, you will advance knowledge at the interface of cellular physiology, electrophysiology and advanced imaging to better understand brain function and neurological disease.

We are seeking candidates with a PhD in Neuroscience or a related field who bring strong hands-on expertise in neuronal electrophysiology, along with experience in mammalian cell culture and fluorescence microscopy. This role is ideally suited to researchers experienced in electrophysiological recordings who are confident in establishing and optimising their own experimental setups. Applicants with a quantitative mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and a strong interest in research at the interface of cellular physiology and molecular neuroscience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Establish, optimise and maintain electrophysiology recording setup
• Design and lead electrophysiology experiments from concept through to execution
• Conduct experimental protocols including neuronal culture, co-culture systems and immunolabelling
• Analyse and interpret experimental data to generate meaningful insights
• Develop new research directions and contribute to project design and innovation
• Maintain accurate and well-organised experimental records
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate, Honours and HDR students
• Present findings at lab meetings, conferences and through high-quality publications
• Contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research culture

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About You

You are a motivated and technically skilled researcher with a strong foundation in electrophysiology and neuroscience.

You will demonstrate:

• Completion (or near completion) of a PhD in Neuroscience or a related field
• Strong hands-on experience in neuronal electrophysiology, including setup optimisation, with the ability to describe experience in electrophysiology setups—such as building rigs or troubleshooting performance issues
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and modern microscopy techniques
• A developing research profile with publications and conference presentations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a quantitative mindset, including the ability to reflect on and articulate challenging electrophysiology tasks and the approaches taken to address them
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across interdisciplinary teams
• A commitment to mentoring and contributing to a positive research culture

Desirable:

• Experience with programming tools (e.g. MATLAB, Python, R) for data analysis
• Experience working with human pluripotent stem cell–derived neurons
• Knowledge of neurodegenerative disease models, such as Huntington’s disease

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia and qualifications. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Nela Durisic at n.durisic@uq.edu.au

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Responses to the ‘About You’ section including specific examples

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close 4 May 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-63133). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for week commencing 11 May 2026.

Posted: 11/04/2026