Research Fellow in Cell Biology (RMIT University)

Overview: 1x full time, fixed term (until May 2027) position available within the School of Engineering. Expected start date June/July 2025. Salary Academic Level B ($110,868 - $131,659 ) + 17% Superannuation Based at the Bundoora campus but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University. About the Role As a Research Fellow, you will work with research teams and partnerships in the School and Research Institutes. You will be required to undertake research activities in line with the University’s research strategy. Yourindependent and/or team research will have a significant impact in the area of your specialisation and be acknowledged at a national level as being influential in expanding the knowledge of your relevant discipline. As a Research Fellow, you are expected to plan, develop and engage in high quality research projects that are aligned with the University’s research focus areas. You will embed your research expertise into the life of the School through the development of high-quality, productivity-driven research networks across RMIT and with local and national, internal and external partners. You will be expected to engage in high quality research projects, to achieve success in attracting research funding and to produce high quality outputs. About the Project The degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs (IVDs) is a significant clinical concern following total disc replacement (TDR). Traditionally, this issue has been attributed to mechanical load alterations post-implantation. However, emerging evidence suggests that wear particles from spinal implants may also contribute to the degeneration of adjacent IVDs. The precise impact of wear particles on healthy IVD degeneration remains unclear, and the biological response of healthy IVD cells to such particles is yet to be fully elucidated. To address this critical gap, two primary challenges must be overcome: Currently, there are no established in vitro protocols to generate wear particles that accurately mimic those produced in vivo across various biomaterials used in spinal implants. Limitations of Current Culture Models: Existing 2D and 3D cell culture models do not sufficiently replicate the structural complexity and material gradient of native IVDs, making them physiologically irrelevant for studying wear particle interactions. Animal models, while commonly used, are costly and fail to fully capture the human IVD’s biomechanics and biological responses. Similarly, human cadaveric IVDs often exhibit degenerative changes, preventing accurate representation of healthy IVD biology. Our research group has recently developed a novel physiologically-relevant in vitro micro-platform that closely recapitulates the native IVD structure and stiffness gradients, enabling advanced mechanobiological wear particle investigations. This project aims to further refine and implement this platform to facilitate precise, cost-effective in vitro studies, addressing the limitations of existing methodologies. To be successful in this position, you’ll have: Evidence of experience in mechanobiology, cell biology and advanced material processing and characterisation is required. Experience in microfabrication and microfluidics is highly desirable. An emerging track record and recognition for quality research outputs which will contribute to existing Discipline and School research areas evidenced by publications, development of new research initiatives, competitive research funding, and industry links. Demonstrated ability to supervise higher degree by research candidates. Ability to build effective networks with colleagues and generate alternative funding projects through effective liaison with industry and government. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills appropriate for interacting with higher degree by research candidates, staff and industry, together with a strong commitment to teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration. Qualifications Mandatory: PhD or equivalent in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or otherrelevant field. Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check. To Apply  Please submit your CV and covering letter and address the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page. For further information about this position, contact Professor Joanne Tipper, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at joanne.tipper@rmit.edu.au or please see the Position Description hyperlinked below. Position description - Research Fellow Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements. Applications Close: 15 Apr 2025 11.59 pm RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT *(including alternate formats of application forms)*. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers . We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Overview:

1x full time, fixed term (until May 2027) position available within the School of Engineering. Expected start date June/July 2025.
Salary Academic Level B ($110,868 - $131,659 ) + 17% Superannuation
Based at the Bundoora campus but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University.

About the Role

As a Research Fellow, you will work with research teams and partnerships in the School and Research Institutes. You will be required to undertake research activities in line with the University’s research strategy. Yourindependent and/or team research will have a significant impact in the area of your specialisation and be acknowledged at a national level as being influential in expanding the knowledge of your relevant discipline.

As a Research Fellow, you are expected to plan, develop and engage in high quality research projects that are aligned with the University’s research focus areas. You will embed your research expertise into the life of the School through the development of high-quality, productivity-driven research networks across RMIT and with local and national, internal and external partners. You will be expected to engage in high quality research projects, to achieve success in attracting research funding and to produce high quality outputs.

About the Project

The degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs (IVDs) is a significant clinical concern following total disc replacement (TDR). Traditionally, this issue has been attributed to mechanical load alterations post-implantation. However, emerging evidence suggests that wear particles from spinal implants may also contribute to the degeneration of adjacent IVDs. The precise impact of wear particles on healthy IVD degeneration remains unclear, and the biological response of healthy IVD cells to such particles is yet to be fully elucidated. To address this critical gap, two primary challenges must be overcome:

Currently, there are no established in vitro protocols to generate wear particles that accurately mimic those produced in vivo across various biomaterials used in spinal implants.
Limitations of Current Culture Models: Existing 2D and 3D cell culture models do not sufficiently replicate the structural complexity and material gradient of native IVDs, making them physiologically irrelevant for studying wear particle interactions. Animal models, while commonly used, are costly and fail to fully capture the human IVD’s biomechanics and biological responses. Similarly, human cadaveric IVDs often exhibit degenerative changes, preventing accurate representation of healthy IVD biology.
Our research group has recently developed a novel physiologically-relevant in vitro micro-platform that closely recapitulates the native IVD structure and stiffness gradients, enabling advanced mechanobiological wear particle investigations. This project aims to further refine and implement this platform to facilitate precise, cost-effective in vitro studies, addressing the limitations of existing methodologies.

To be successful in this position, you’ll have:
Evidence of experience in mechanobiology, cell biology and advanced material processing and characterisation is required. Experience in microfabrication and microfluidics is highly desirable.
An emerging track record and recognition for quality research outputs which will contribute to existing Discipline and School research areas evidenced by publications, development of new research initiatives, competitive research funding, and industry links.
Demonstrated ability to supervise higher degree by research candidates.
Ability to build effective networks with colleagues and generate alternative funding projects through effective liaison with industry and government.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills appropriate for interacting with higher degree by research candidates, staff and industry, together with a strong commitment to teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications
Mandatory: PhD or equivalent in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or otherrelevant field.
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

To Apply 

Please submit your CV and covering letter and address the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.

For further information about this position, contact Professor Joanne Tipper, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at joanne.tipper@rmit.edu.au or please see the Position Description hyperlinked below.

Position description - Research Fellow

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.

Applications Close:

15 Apr 2025 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers .

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.