"Postdoctoral Research Fellow"

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Salary Package: $109,272 – $117,108 per annum (Level A.6–A.8, PhD Awarded Rate), or a higher salary may be considered for candidates with significant relevant experience, plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading. Appointment level will be commensurate with experience.
• Full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term appointment until December 2028
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Decode the sensory wiring that controls breathing & blood pressure.

The carotid body is a key sensory structure that detects the chemical composition of the blood, driving adaptive reflexes that maintain homeostasis. How its signals are encoded, transmitted and routed to distinct brain circuits remains a fundamental open question.

We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead the Sydney component of an NHMRC Ideas Grant testing the "Ribbon Cable" hypothesis: that molecularly distinct subtypes of petrosal ganglion neurons form dedicated, modality-specific channels linking the carotid body to segregated central reflex pathways controlling sympathetic outflow and breathing. Reporting to Professor Simon McMullan, you will drive a technically ambitious experimental program that spans molecular phenotyping, intersectional genetics, circuit mapping, recording and manipulation, and in vivo cardiovascular and respiratory physiology.

The position is embedded within a multidisciplinary collaboration that connects leading neuroscience groups across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. You will have access to world-class facilities, strong support for career development and independent fellowship applications, and the freedom to shape discoveries with real translational significance.

About the Role

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Neurobiology of Vital Systems group, you will drive the Sydney-based experimental program with substantial independence while coordinating closely with collaborators at partner institutions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and executing intersectional transgenic and viral targeting strategies to selectively access and manipulate transcriptionally defined petrosal ganglion neuron subtypes.
• Performing in vivo physiological experiments including whole-body plethysmography, blood pressure radiotelemetry, electrophysiological nerve recordings, and chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulation in mouse models.
• Contributing to in vivo calcium imaging studies characterising modality-specific sensory encoding and applying neuroanatomical tracing and activity-dependent genetic labelling to map central connectivity of carotid body sensory pathways in collaboration with interstate partners.
• Coordinating Sydney-based research activities within the broader multi-institutional team, including data sharing and collaborative visits.
• Overseeing mouse colony management, breeding strategies and experimental timelines to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Co-supervising Honours and PhD students, providing mentorship in experimental design, technical skills and scientific writing.
• Leading manuscript preparation for high-impact journals and contributing to future grant development.
• Maintaining rigorous experimental documentation and ensuring full compliance with institutional research integrity standards.

About Us

Macquarie University is home to a vibrant neuroscience and biomedical research community supported by state-of-the-art transgenic, imaging and physiology infrastructure. Our researchers work within a collaborative, interdisciplinary culture with strong connections to clinical practice through MQ Health — Australia's first university-integrated health sciences centre. The University's position at the heart of the Macquarie Park Innovation District and its strategic investment in translational research create an outstanding environment for discovery with real-world impact.

This role is embedded within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team led by Professor Simon McMullan, with expertise spanning molecular neuroscience, viral circuit tracing, autonomic physiology and systems neurobiology. The project connects investigators across four cities and provides exceptional opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration and professional growth.

About You

You are a technically accomplished and self-motivated scientist who thrives at the interface of molecular neuroscience and integrative physiology. You are energised by complex, multi-method experimental programs and bring the independence, rigour and collaborative spirit needed to lead a major strand of a nationally significant research project.

Selection Criteria:

• PhD in neuroscience, physiology, biomedical engineering or a closely related discipline (or a submitted PhD thesis currently under examination),
• Demonstrated technical expertise in at least two of the following: systems or integrative physiology; in vivo mouse experimentation; viral vector approaches (AAV delivery, DREADDs, optogenetics); transgenic mouse strategies (Cre/Flp systems, intersectional genetics); or neuroanatomical tracing/multiplex ISH,
• Advanced conceptual knowledge of autonomic, respiratory or sensory neurobiology,
• Strong publication record relative to career stage, emphasising research quality over quantity,
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute and troubleshoot complex multi-faceted experiments,
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to coordinate experimental workflows, colony management and multi-site collaboration, and
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to lead manuscript preparation, present at conferences and mentor research students.

Experience in in-vivo calcium imaging, radiotelemetry, student supervision, or sophisticated analytical skills in electrophysiology, bioinformatics, image analysis or coding will be highly regarded.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)

*** We welcome applications from international applicants. ***

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

For enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Simon McMullan at simon.mcmullan@mq.edu.au