Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position to join our team of cell biologists and biophysicists at the EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (http://sms.unsw.edu.au) and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging (http://localhost/legacy)

One of the major unsolved issues in cellular immunology is how an extracellular antigen recognition event is linked to the induction of intracellular signals on which T cell fate decisions are based. The overall goal of the project is to gain a better understanding of the nano-scaled organization of T cell receptor (TCR) signalling by using 2- and 3- dimensional single molecule localization microscopy (PALM, dSTORM) in conjunction with molecular control over ligand presentation (e.g. bilayers with receptor ligands, nanopatterned surfaces and nanoparticles modified with ligands and antibodies). Specifically, we want to investigate whether a distinct spatial organisation of the TCR is responsible for signal initiation. Further, we would like to link TCR clustering to activation responses, using primary T cells and single cell assays.

A PhD in cell biology, (bio)physics, (bio)chemistry, or related science is required and experience in receptor signalling, cellular immunology, molecular biology and advanced fluorescence microscopy is highly desirable.

The successful postdoctoral candidate will have an active role in conceiving and implementing experimental approaches, training and supervision of research staff and students and presentation of the results in the form of publications, international conference presentations and potentially grant applications.

The postdoctoral position is a full-time fixed term position available until 31 December 2017 with strong prospects for extension. Salary range is A$81,624-A$93,840 per year plus 9.5% superannuation and leave loading. Applications including CV, contact details of reference and cover letter should be emailed to Prof Katharina Gaus ([email protected]) before October, 14th 2016.