Postdoctoral Research Fellow- Neurodegeneration Research

About the role

Join a world-leading translational neuroscience research program at Macquarie University and contribute to internationally collaborative projects investigating the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. We are seeking to appoint up to two Postdoctoral Research Fellows to work within a highly collaborative neurodegeneration research environment focused on understanding neuronal vulnerability, disease progression, sleep and cognitive dysfunction, and biological heterogeneity in Parkinson's disease and related proteinopathies. These complementary projects integrate human postmortem brain tissue analysis, advanced histopathology, molecular neuroscience, imaging, transcriptomics, and disease modelling approaches to investigate the cellular and molecular drivers of neurodegeneration. Depending on project alignment and expertise, the successful candidate(s) may contribute to research involving: Multiplex immunolabelling, fluorescence imaging, and digital pathology workflows for alpha-synuclein and tau-related disease mechanisms Followed by quantitative image analysis and interpretation of complex experimental datasets Molecular pathology techniques including proximity ligation assays and related approaches These approaches will be used in mouse and human postmortem brain tissues to assess sleep and cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease These approaches will be used in human postmortem brain tissue to assess RNA biological changes with neuronal degeneration and resilience in Parkinson's disease The successful candidate(s) will contribute to experimental design, laboratory-based investigations, data analysis, and dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and collaborative discussions with internal and international research partners. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of neurodegeneration research within a globally recognised neuroscience research environment leveraging state-of-the-art laboratory and analytical approaches. The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) at Macquarie University is ambitiously pushing the boundaries of progressive thinking and challenging what's possible to solve some of the big issues of our time, both nationally and globally. The faculty forms part of Macquarie University Health, an integrated academic health sciences enterprise incorporating Macquarie University Hospital and primary and speciality clinics. FMHHS hosts internationally recognised research programs spanning neuroscience, biomedical and clinical sciences, health systems, psychology, linguistics, physiotherapy, public health, and cognitive science. This role is based within a leading neurodegeneration research environment conducting internationally collaborative research into Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and related neurodegenerative disorders. About You You are an enthusiastic and collaborative researcher with strong laboratory and analytical skills, and a genuine interest in understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease. You will bring expertise in neuroscience, molecular biology, neuropathology, or a related biomedical discipline, alongside a strong commitment to rigorous and translational research. Selection Criteria (Essential) PhD in neuroscience, biomedical science, molecular biology, or a related discipline, Demonstrated experience in laboratory-based biomedical or neuroscience research, Experience with histology, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence imaging, or molecular laboratory techniques, Demonstrated ability to analyse, interpret, and communicate experimental findings, Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in experimental procedures and data management, and Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment. Desirable Criteria Experience working with human postmortem brain tissue Familiarity with Parkinson's disease or related neurodegenerative disorders Experience with RNA biology or disease models Experience with multiplex imaging, proximity ligation assays, digital pathology, or advanced microscopy approaches Experience with quantitative image analysis or bioinformatics tools Specific Requirements This role involves laboratory-based work with human brain tissues and requires compliance with relevant laboratory safety and immunisation requirements, including Hepatitis B va