Postdoctoral Research Fellow- Neurodegeneration Research

PRIMARY DETAIL

Join a world-leading neurodegeneration research program advancing our understanding of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders through cutting-edge translational neuroscience.

• Salary Package: $123,435 per annum (Level B.1), plus 17% superannuation & annual leave loading.
• 2x full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term opportunities until May 31, 2029
• Location: Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde, New South Wales.

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.

About Us
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 vaccination, Tuberculosis assessment screening, and recommended adult vaccinations including tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella

Appointment to this role is subject to an academic qualification check, and the successful applicant must have valid work rights in Australia for the duration of their employment.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the selection criteria (above) and how your experience and capabilities would contribute to success in the role.

Applications Close: Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)

**We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.

For enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Glenda Halliday at [email protected], or Heidi Cartwright, Research Project Manager at [email protected]

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

17/06/2026 11:59 PM​
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