About the opportunity
Exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will apply and further develop their expertise in conducting high-quality research in renal medicine, with a focus on kidney disease in adult populations. The position focuses on conducting high-quality research into chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD), with an emphasis on the development and evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies and investigation of disease mechanisms relevant to renal fibrosis and the gut-kidney axis. This position requires extensive expertise in delivering photobiomodulation interventions within clinical trials, as well as significant experience working with humanised mouse models in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
This is a research-only role, contributing to the faculty or school’s research agenda through rigorous and innovative investigation. Working both independently and collaboratively within a research team, the role operates under the guidance of senior academic staff while progressively building autonomy. The role will contribute to multidisciplinary translational research programs through experimental design, preclinical animal studies, molecular and physiological analyses, collaborative research activities, publication of research findings, and support of postgraduate student training and laboratory operations.
The successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of knowledge within the discipline through original research outputs and actively engage with a broader network of academic, industry (e.g. AstraZeneca funded collaborative project) and professional stakeholders.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
conduct research, scholarly or professional activities to contribute to discipline knowledge
Conduct high-quality translational nephrology research independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams. Design, perform, and analyse preclinical experimental studies relevant to CKD and DKD. Investigate novel therapeutic approaches. Contribute to mechanistic studies examining renal fibrosis, inflammation, and the gut-kidney axis. Generate, interpret, and communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, reports, and collaborative discussions. Participate in the preparation of research grant applications, ethics submissions, and project reports.
research development and Independence
Develop and refine independent research capabilities under the guidance of senior academic staff, with increasing autonomy in project planning and execution. Undertake experimental design, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and coordination of collaborative research activities. Contribute intellectual input to ongoing and future renal research projects and translational therapeutic programs.
Research Quality, Governance and Compliance
Maintain high standards of scientific integrity, quality, reproducibility, and ethical research conduct. Ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures relating to laboratory safety, biosafety, animal ethics, and research governance. Maintain accurate experimental records, databases, and research documentation. Contribute to quality assurance processes and best laboratory practices.
Administrative and Operational Contributions
Contribute to the effective operation of the research laboratory, including laboratory organisation, equipment maintenance, consumable ordering, and compliance documentation. Participate in laboratory meetings, faculty seminars, project meetings, and other academic and administrative activities. Assist with coordination and management of shared laboratory resources and collaborative research activities.
Workplace Culture and Professional Conduct
Contribute positively to a collegial, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture that values collaboration, diversity of thought, research excellence, and shared achievement. Maintain professional and respectful interactions with students, academic staff, clinicians, collaborators, and professional staff. Support effective multidisciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations.
Strategic Contribution
Contribute to the strategic research priorities of the Faculty of Medicine and Health and the Kolling Institute through translational kidney disease research and collaborative partnerships. Support the development of innovative therapeutic research programs with potential clinical impact and improved patient outcomes. Contribute to strengthening national and international research collaborations and future funding opportunities.
About you
PhD in a relevant discipline
PHotobiomodulation accreditation
demonstrated experience conducting original research and/or scholarly activity
developing research profile with evidence of outputs in the field
demonstrated understanding of subject matter within the discipline
emerging network of academic, industry or professional collaborators
strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
effective planning, organisation and time management skills
ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
You 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 declarations
Your 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.
EEO statement
At 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 apply
Applications (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 danielle.selinger@sydney.edu.au
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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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Applications Close
Thursday 09 July 2026 11:59 PM
