Postdoctoral Scientists: Immunologist and Neuroscientist : Melbourne, Australia

Two postdoctoral positions are currently available as part of a new project hosted in the Tonkin laboratory; which is interested in underpinning the effect that chronic Toxoplasma infection has on the brain at the molecular, immunological and behavioral levels and how this might contribute to neuropsychiatric conditions

Toxoplasma is an obligate intracellular parasite that is a very common human pathogen. Once contracted, acute systemic infection progresses to a chronic stage that reside in the brain. Cyst forms predominantly infect neurons and are unable to be cleared by immune defence mechanisms. Toxoplasma infection drastically changes the behavior of infected mice and there is increasing evidence that chronic infection is more common in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This new research program will investigate what changes Toxoplasma makes to the infected brain – both directly and as a result of neuro-immune interactions.

The two postdoctoral positions will work closely together and there is ample scope in both positions to develop leadership and contribute to research direction within the program.

Postdoctoral Scientist (Immunologist) will be responsible for understanding the inflammatory response during Toxoplasma infection of the brain and how it relates to neurological dysfunction and neuropsychiatric conditions.

Experience, qualifications and skills
The candidate will possess a doctorate (PhD) in molecular and/or cellular immunology or equivalent, with appropriate research experience. You will have a strong interest and background in innate defence mechanisms and how they contribute to disease processes. Experience in transcriptional analysis and/or RNAseq would be considered an advantage.

Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, and the ability to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team is also required. 
Reference code: WEHI/CACT1

Postdoctoral Scientist (Neuroscientist) will work on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning behavioral changes elicited by Toxoplasma as it resides in neurons in the brain and how this intracellular parasite may contribute to neuropsychiatric conditions.

Experience, qualifications and skills
The successful candidate will be a talented individual who specialises in molecular and cellular neuroscience and have expertise in analysis of the mouse brain and experience in molecular and cellular techniques. The candidate should also have experience with mouse models of neuropsychiatric disorders and an ability to isolate and analyse the molecular and cellular processes of cells of the brain.

Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, and the ability to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team is also required
Reference code: WEHI/CACT2

Salary and benefits
Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Up to 17% superannuation and attractive salary packaging options are available. Both positions are available for two years in the first instance.