• Research Officer Level 2 - 4

Who We Are

The Centenary Institute is a world-leading independent Medical Research Institute. Our strength is in uncovering disease mechanisms and applying this knowledge to improve diagnostics and treatments for patients and find cures for some of the most chronic diseases affecting today’s society.

We continue to build on our skills by focusing on and enlarging our research efforts in seven key centres: Biomedical AI, Cancer Innovations, Cardiovascular Research, Healthy Ageing, Infection and Immunity, Inflammation, and Rare Diseases and Gene Therapy.

The role

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral-level Research Officer to join an exciting NHMRC- funded program investigating the mechanisms that generate liver immunity. The position is supervised by A/Profs Patrick Bertolino and David Bowen and will leverage unique mouse
lines available in the laboratory, bespoke reagents (including rAAV and custom Lipoplex mRNA vaccines), and cutting-edge approaches (confocal microscopy, imaging mass spectrometry, single-cell omics, and multicolour flow cytometry). Some work will be undertaken in collaboration with teams in Melbourne and Wellington (New Zealand).

Project overview

The project focuses on hepatic portal tracts, a distinctive perivascular structure that we propose functions as an extended intrahepatic immune compartment—an auxiliary lymphoid-like niche embedded within liver tissue. Portal tracts are enriched in antigen- presenting dendritic cells that can drive local T-cell activation and expansion. This concept provides a new framework for understanding how effective immune responses are generated and regulated in this predominantly tolerogenic organ.

Key responsibilities

The successful applicant will conduct experiments (with some laboratory support duties) to define the immune properties of portal tracts, including:

• parameters governing T-cell access and expansion within portal tracts
• modulation by the gut microbiome, CD4 T cells and NKT cells
• impact of acute bacterial infection and fibrosis on portal-tract immune function

The work will generate data to inform strategies to manipulate intrahepatic immunity, improve vaccine efficacy against liver pathogens, and identify new approaches for treating chronic liver disease.

The role may also involve supervision of junior staff and students and participation in  Institute activities.

About You

• Hold a PHD in immunology or a closely related field
• Have a strong foundation in immunology
• Experienced with immunological techniques and cell culture
• Experienced working with transgenic mouse models
• Demonstrated publication record
• Ability to write manuscripts and contribute to grant applications; strong record-keeping
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated teamwork
• Commitment to Work Health and Safety (WHS)

Desirable Skills

• Experienced with multiparameter flow cytometry and/or imaging approaches
• Experience supervising junior staff and/or students

Why Work for Centenary

• World renowned Medical Research Institute
• Affiliations with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, and University of Technology Sydney
• Facilities in the heart of Inner West next to Sydney Uni Campus with coffee machine and in walking distance of shops, cafes and parks
• Supportive team environment and the opportunity to work with some of the leading researchers in the country
• Flexible working options
• Salary packaging options
• Paid week off between Christmas and New Year

For more information about the role, please contact:

Assoc. Prof. Patrick Bertolino ([email protected]

Assoc. Prof. David Bowen ([email protected]) using the subject line: Research Officer - Centre of Infectious Diseases and Immunity enquiry via EthicalJobs.