The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) - Westmead NSW

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research is seeking a motivated and experienced researcher to join the Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Group as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow.

The role will focus on Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) , with the aim of improving our understanding of these aggressive brain tumours and developing better treatment approaches for patients.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and lead a research program investigating the molecular, cellular and clinical basis of DMG, with a particular focus on treatment response and resistance and the translation of research findings towards improved patient outcomes.

The position requires a high degree of independence and scientific leadership, together with the ability to work effectively with researchers and clinicians across different disciplines.

About the Research Group

The Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Group is focused on understanding why aggressive brain tumours, including glioblastoma and DMG, are resistant to treatment.

Our research includes the genetic and immunological features of brain tumours, as well as tumour metabolism and hypoxia as mechanisms of treatment resistance. We use pre-clinical models to investigate radiation and drug responses, undertake drug screening, and identify promising treatments that have the potential to progress towards clinical trials.

The DMG Research Fellow will contribute to this broader research program while developing a focused program of research in DIPG/DMG.

The role will involve collaboration with clinical, academic and industry partners and will include opportunities to supervise and mentor junior researchers.

Recent publications from the group include:

About the Role

The level of appointment will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications, experience and research track record. The role may suit a Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist.

Depending on the level of appointment, responsibilities will include:

- Developing and leading a research program focused on DIPG/DMG and related areas of cancer biology, translational oncology or radiation biology.
- Identifying research questions and opportunities relevant to the treatment of aggressive brain tumours.
- Designing and conducting research using appropriate laboratory and pre-clinical models, including independent animal experimentation.




- Building and maintaining collaborations with clinical, academic and industry partners.
- Contributing to the translation of research findings towards clinical application.
- Developing and contributing to research funding applications. For more junior appointments, this may include local or seed funding, while more senior appointments will be expected to demonstrate experience with competitive external funding.
- Managing research projects, budgets, laboratory resources and research activities.
- Supervising and mentoring PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and other research staff, as appropriate to the level of appointment.
- Publishing research in peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at national and international conferences.
- Contributing to the profile and development of the Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Group.
- Contributing to research governance, committees, peer review and other activities within WIMR.
- Maintaining high standards of research integrity, ethics and laboratory safety.
- Contributing to education, public engagement and other activities that support the broader research community.
- Undertaking other reasonable duties as required by the Program Lead, Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Group.

The role is named in honour of a patient whose experience has helped inspire and support research in this area.

About You

We are looking for a researcher with a strong interest in cancer biology and translational research and the ability to develop and drive research projects independently.

You will have:

- A PhD or equivalent in cancer biology, molecular biology, genetics, immunology or a related biomedical discipline.
- At least two years of postdoctoral research experience, or equivalent research experience relevant to the level of appointment.
- Experience independently conducting animal experiments and pre-clinical research.
- A strong publication record appropriate to your career stage.
- Experience developing and delivering research projects independently.
- Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments.




- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior researchers, or the ability to develop these skills.
- Experience contributing to research funding applications, with a demonstrated record of competitive funding expected at more senior levels.
- A commitment to research integrity, ethical research practice and a positive and inclusive research environment.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be highly regarded:

- DIPG or DMG research.
- Glioblastoma or other brain tumour research.
- Radiation biology or radiation oncology.
- Cancer genetics or molecular biology.
- Tumour immunology.
- Tumour metabolism or hypoxia.
- Pre-clinical cancer models.
- Drug screening or therapeutic development.
- Translational cancer research.

About WIMR

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research is a medical research institute based within the Westmead Health Precinct. Our researchers work across a range of health areas, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders and neurological conditions.

WIMR has strong links with hospitals, universities, research organisations and industry partners, providing opportunities for research to move from laboratory studies towards clinical application.

Our research includes precision medicine, genomics, bioinformatics, gene and cell therapies, regenerative medicine and other emerging approaches to the treatment of disease.

The role will report to the Program Lead, Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Group and will work closely with members of the group, WIMR researchers, clinical collaborators and research partners.

What We Offer

This role provides the opportunity to:

- Develop and lead a research program in an important area of brain tumour research.
- Work closely with basic scientists, clinicians and other researchers.
- Develop collaborations across WIMR, the Westmead Health Precinct and external research organisations.
- Contribute to research aimed at improving treatment options for patients with DMG.
- Supervise and support early-career researchers.

The initial appointment is for 12 months, with potential for renewal and longer-term appointment, subject to funding and performance.

WIMR is an equal chance employer. We value diversity, inclusion, collaboration and research integrity and are committed to providing a respectful and supportive research environment.

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📌 Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Sydney)
🏢 The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR)
📍 Sydney