The Opportunity

Here at Telethon Kids Institute we have a passion to see our researchers and their collaboration partners succeed, achieve research excellence, and translate their discoveries into real-world innovation and impact.

The END RHD Program is a multidisciplinary new program at the Institute with a mission to conduct research to end rheumatic heart disease (RHD) by 2031. The program comprises of 5 teams who undertake ground-breaking work that spans a wide research portfolio of basic science to translational projects, including progressing the development of a safe and effective vaccine to reduce the disease burden caused by Strep A infection.

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the program on a full-time basis for 3 years.

The Role

Reporting to the Strep A Vaccines Team Lead, this role will contribute to the development of next generation Strep A vaccines, with a particular focus on mucosal immunology and mucosal vaccines, by elucidating how immune responses initiated in the nasopharynx in response to a Strep A infection, contribute to immunity.

You will benefit from working within our state-of-the art laboratory facilities and be responsible for a wide range of activities, including:

• Designing and establishing in vitro and in vivo preclinical models to evaluate vaccine responses and protective immune responses.
• Managing data analysis processes and setting up procedures/processes for quality assurance and data validation
• Creating and disseminating research outputs that are useful and engaging for different stakeholder groups
• Mentoring and supervising junior research staff and students, as required.

In addition, this position will provide an excellent opportunity for you to expand your abilities and broaden your impact by collaborating with other teams and projects within END RHD, across the Institute, and with external partners.

This position will be based at the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth, and we are open to international applicants and discussing relocation support with the preferred candidate if they are located elsewhere.

About you

This position would suit a collaborative-minded individual interested in contributing to excellent research science. You will have a strong understanding of immunology related to vaccines, mucosal immunology, and current vaccine strategies (bacterial vaccines experience desirable) with an understanding of immune cell trafficking (desirable).

Additionally, the key to your success will be your demonstrated experience in the following:

• Strong expertise and prior laboratory experience designing and executing in vitro/in vivo experiments to assess immune responses and elucidate mechanisms of action.

• Proficiency with multiple technologies to assess immune cell function (including flow cytometry and multiplex systems), and experience working with high throughput or -omics approaches highly desired
• Prior experience working with cell lines and cell-based assays

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills including evidence of academic writing (grants submissions/reports, ethics submissions/reports, and publications)

We are driving inclusion and diversity as part of the way we work and embrace the diverse career and life experiences of our staff. If you meet a number of the requirements (and not all), we encourage you to submit your application. We also encourage you to address any career disruptions (if applicable) you may have had in your cover letter.

Our Culture

Our aim is to create a workplace where people are respected and encouraged to fulfil their potential. We encourage a workforce that is innovative, eager to acquire knowledge and enhance skills; we embrace all employee differences, foster a culture that supports diversity and inclusion, and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations where required.

We value our people and in return, you will be rewarded with a competitive remuneration package and as a not-for-profit this includes salary packaging of up to $15,899 (increases your take home pay!) and the opportunity to be part of a long-standing organisation.

We offer excellent training and development opportunities and generous staff benefits including flexible working conditions, Christmas shutdown as extra annual leave, paid parental leave, social activities and a health and wellbeing program.

How to Apply

If you think that this is the right role and an exciting new challenge for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to navigate to our Career Site to view the Job Description and submit your application.

Your cover letter (no more than 2 pages) should specifically address your skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section above.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with our online portal, please direct your query to [email protected].

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

For more information about the role please contact Alma Fulurija – Head, Strep A Vaccines

Contact Email: [email protected] using the subject line: Postdoctoral Researcher in Mucosal Immunology - Strep A Vaccine Development enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Telethon Kids reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.