Skills & Qualifications • Ability to work independently and efficiently. • Strong organizational and task prioritization skills. • Excellent communication skills and proficiency in performing administrative and clerical tasks. • Proficient in general laboratory procedures
techniques
and documentation. • Willingness to learn and adapt to new techniques and technologies. • Fluent in English
Spanish
French
and Catalan. • Proficient in statistical analysis and software such as SPSS
MATLAB
and Python. • Proficient in using various software programs
including Microsoft Office Suite (Word
Excel
PowerPoint). • Advanced knowledge and experience in 3D cell culture techniques. • Skilled in protein isolation
Western Blot
PCR
rt-qPCR
toxicity testing
IHC
Northern Blot
and ELISA. • Proficient in anatomical dissection studies for medical and veterinary purposes. • Experienced in static analysis of behavioral data and microarray data. • Familiarity with electrophysiology
imaging
protein purification
and optical and electron microscopy techniques. • Advanced level proficiency in conducting animal experiments
behavioral experiments
anatomical dissection
and molecular analysis. Our laboratory focuses on the study of human pluripotent stem cells for modelling neurodegenerative diseases. The difficulty in obtaining brain or ocular tissue from living people is a major barrier to developing new treatments for neurodegenerative disease. We can now generate stem cells from adult tissue
and these “induced pluripotent stem cells” (iPSCs) represent a powerful disease modelling tool. Generating iPSCs directly from patients allows cells to be differentiated into specific cells of interest for disease modelling
drug screening
and understanding of fundamental pathogenic mechanisms. We differentiate iPSCs into various cell types of the nervous system
as monolayers or as organoids. Using these cells
we model age-related macular degeneration
glaucoma
inherited retinal dystrophies and optic neuropathies
in order to establish the molecular events leading to disease progression and aspects of neurodegeneration. We also use gene editing technology for correction of monogenic diseases of the retina and the optic nerve. The CRISPR system is used by bacteria to counter viral intrusion and has been adapted to allow efficient editing of the mammalian nuclear genome. CRISPR-based technology is being heralded as a relatively straightforward technology for in vitro correction of genetic mutations in patient-specific cells and is particularly attractive for treating inherited diseases caused by genes with very specific spatial and stoichiometric expression
such as those found in many of the monogenic diseases we study. We use our unique cohort of patients with distinct monogenic inherited retinal dystrophies and iPSC technology to directly study the utility of genomic editing and correction. Service Node - Phenomics Australia Phenomics Australia is a forward-thinking research infrastructure provider enabling research discovery and high-impact healthcare outcomes in precision medicine. Through openly accessible service delivery centres
we offer specialised infrastructure
research services and technical expertise dedicated to advancing our fundamental understanding of health and disease
and enabling next-generation innovations in healthcare and therapeutic development to benefit all Australians. We are supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy
(NCRIS). NCRIS supports Australia’s research capability by investing in research infrastructure and making it accessible to researchers across the nation. Services: Phenomics Australia provides a broad panel of in vivo and in vitro genome engineering and disease modelling
functional genomics and high-throughput screening
biobanking and pathology services and technical expertise
for discovery and a new understanding of the molecular basis of disease to benefit all Australians. More information about Phenomics Australia services can be found here. As a service node of Phenomics Australia
we provide on-demand reprogramming of patient samples into iPSCs
their quality control and banking
focusing on the production of large-scale iPSC cohort. We can reprogram from various primary cell types
and with different reprogramming approaches. Our service also includes training of researchers in these procedures. Please contact our node manager Dr Maciej Daniszewski for further information. maciej.daniszewski@unimelb.edu.au Stem Cell Neuropsychiatry Group Our research leverages stem cell models to study the development and function of the brain
both in health and mental illness. Studying the brain
however
presents several challenges
including its inaccessible and complex nature
consisting of numerous interrelated regions and an enormous number of cells
as well as the uniqueness of each individual's brain
making it difficult to establish universal conclusions. We generate stem cells from adult human tissue
specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
to overcome some of the obstacles in studying human brain development. Utilising iPSCs
we aim to refine and advance models of neural connectivity in vitro and uncover the molecular and cellular foundations of healthy development and major psychiatric illnesses. Our research incorporates neuroimaging observations of the living human brain and brings together a diverse team with expertise in neuroscience
psychiatry
neuroimaging
and computer science. Our ultimate goal is to translate the knowledge gained from these studies into improved therapies for psychiatric illnesses. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Cytoskeletal marker class III beta-tubulin (green)
dendritic marker microtubule associated protein 2 (red) and nuclear stain Hoechst (blue). Images by Cassandra Hoffman (PhD Candidate) Human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Cytoskeletal marker class III beta-tubulin (green)
dendritic marker microtubule associated protein 2 (red) and nuclear stain Hoechst (blue). Images by Cassandra Hoffman (PhD Candidate). This project provides a unique opportunity to explore the developmental origins of schizophrenia—a severe mental health disorder—using cutting-edge patient-derived stem cell models. By generating both 2D and 3D neural models from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) sourced from patients
you will tackle the complexities of human brain development research. The project involves the generation of in vitro neurodevelopmental models
their in-depth characterisation through techniques such as calcium imaging and single cell RNA sequencing
and the computational analysis of these data. The overarching goal is to unravel the molecular and cellular foundations of schizophrenia and we are dedicated to translating our research findings into groundbreaking treatments. Our multidisciplinary team
led by Dr. Maria Di Biase and Prof. Alice Pébay
brings together expertise in stem cell disease modeling
neuroscience
psychiatry
and computer science. As a part of this dynamic team
you will find your research home at the Stem Cell Disease Modelling Lab. Successful candidates will be expected to conduct high-level research
work as part of a team and contribute to publications in internationally recognised journals. Requirements: An undergraduate or graduate degree with upper class honours in neuroscience
basic science
biomedical science
or a closely related field. Priority will be given to applicants who have relevant experience in regenerative medicine/stem cell modeling
functional connectivity assays (including calcium imaging or multielectrode arrays)
or in analysing single-cell RNA sequencing data.