Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neurophysics of Sleep-Wake Dynamics and Circadian Rhythms

School of Physics
Reference no.  721/0417

The position focuses on studying sleep-wake and circadian dynamics phenomena in the brain using mechanism-based modelling approaches and experimental data across various dynamical scales: from neurons to behavior

Full-time, fixed term for 2 years with the possibility of extension to 3 years, subject to performance, funding, and need

Remuneration package: $104k-112k AUD pro rata p.a. which includes leave loading and up to 17% superannuation

About the opportunity 

Applications are sought for Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A) in the School of Physics in the Complex Systems Group led by Professor Peter Robinson. The group is involved in a number of interdisciplinary research centres, including the NHMRC Centre of Excellence for Translational Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology (NeuroSleep), the ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function (CIBF), and the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety, and Productivity, as well as numerous national and international collaborations.

About you

The successful applicant will work with a team of researchers on a variety of sleep-wake and circadian-related projects that underpin a wider program of sleep-wake and circadian research, including understanding and modelling of the relevant neurobiological mechanisms during normal sleep-wake cycles, circadian misalignment (e.g. jetlag), and sleep restriction, as well as prediction of dynamics in real-world conditions.

To be successful in this position you should have following:

•  undergraduate major in physics, applied mathematics, or similar field
• theoretical/computational PhD in physics, computational neuroscience, biological modelling, applied mathematics, engineering, or allied field; thesis must have at least been submitted for examination by the time of interview for this position (approximately 3 weeks after closing date).
• experience in physiologically-based modelling of biological systems (as opposed to or in addition to signal analysis and statistical modelling).
• demonstrated ability to program in Matlab , C++, or Python
• proved research ability and evidence of self-motivation and research potential, including the ability to conduct research activities under limited supervision
• publications in refereed journals

Desirable criteria also apply

About us

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across 9 campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 47,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

The position is full-time fixed term for two years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees with the possibility of extension to three years, subject to performance, funding, and need.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

Closing date: 11:30pm 18 May 2017 (Sydney Time)

We are committed to diversity and social inclusion.  We welcome applications from women (particularly for senior and non-traditional roles), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, people who identify as LGBTIQ, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.