Research Focused Academic

University of Sydney; St Leonards; On-site; AUD 84,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking a Research Focused Academic to join a leading pancreatic cancer program. Based at the Kolling Institute with travel between Kolling and Camperdown campuses, you will advance translational cancer research on tumour biology and therapeutic response.

Applicants should hold a PhD with postdoctoral experience, strong data analysis skills in R and Python, and expertise in single-cell/spatial technologies and cancer models.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline with postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in animal models of cancer, preferably pancreatic cancer or other solid tumours.
• Experience in advanced research techniques including single-cell and/or spatial technologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Develop and apply expertise in animal cancer models and 2D/3D co-culture systems.
• Undertake molecular profiling and single-cell or spatial analyses to understand therapeutic response and resistance.
• Analyse and interpret complex data to support publications and funding opportunities.
• Mentor students and collaborate with internal and external teams to achieve outcomes.

Skills

Single-cell tech

Spatial technologies

Animal cancer models

R data analysis

Python knowledge

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Postdoctoral experience

Tools

Redcap

Immunohistochemistry

Job description

Full-time 12 month fixed-term opportunity for a dedicated Research Focused AcademicJoin a leading pancreatic cancer research program and contribute to cutting-edge translational cancer researchBase Salary from $93,424 p.a. + 17% superannuationAbout the opportunityJoin a dynamic pancreatic cancer research team led by Professor Marina Pajic and contribute to innovative translational cancer research focused on tumour biology, therapeutic response, and advanced cancer models. Based at the Kolling Institute, with travel between Kolling and Camperdown campuses, this role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of pancreatic cancer research.This position will contribute to innovative cancer research focused on understanding the complex pancreatic cancer ecosystems and how best to develop tailored treatments for this disease. Working within a collaborative research environment, you will apply expertise in molecular profiling, single-cell and spatial technologies, and pre-clinical cancer models.Your key responsibilities will be to:conduct research independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, contributing to advances in pancreatic cancer biologydevelop and apply expertise in animal models of cancer, 2D and 3D co-culture systemsundertake molecular profiling, tumour biology investigations, and single-cell or spatial analyses to understand therapeutic response and resistanceanalyse, synthesise, and interpret complex research data to support publications, presentations, and future research funding opportunitiesdevelop and refine independent research skills under the supervision of senior academic staffcontribute to faculty and research group activities, including administrative tasks and meetings where requiredprovide informal mentoring and advice to students within the discipline as appropriatecollaborate effectively with internal and external research teams to achieve research outcomes.About youPhD in a relevant discipline with postdoctoral research experiencedemonstrated expertise in animal models of cancer, preferably pancreatic cancer, or other solid tumour modelsexperience in advanced research techniques including single-cell and/or spatial technologies, multiplex immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry techniquesstrong data analysis skills with experience using R; experience with Python will be highly regardedexperience using relevant research software and databases, including Redcap and scientific analysis toolsdemonstrated research publication and presentation experienceability to work independently and contribute effectively within collaborative research environmentsdemonstrated understanding of the subject matter within the discipline and a developing research profile in the area of expertise.To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.Sponsorship / work rights for AustraliaYou must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.Pre-employment checks and declarationsYour employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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.As this position is located on an NSW Health site, it is a regulatory requirement to complete compulsory employment checks prior to starting in this position. For more information and instructions, please visit: NSW Health employment requirementsEEO statementAt the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a university community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by 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 LGBTQIA+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .How to applyApplications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.For employees of the University or contingent workers, 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 any documents in alternate formats, please contact Danielle Selinger Recruitment Consultant by email to [e-mail] The University of SydneyThe University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.Click to view the Position Description for this role.Applications CloseTuesday 06 October 2026 11:59 PM