Research Assistant

Research Assistant

The Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) is one of Australia’s leading independent research institutions dedicated to improving the health of women and babies. For more than 40 years our research and programs have directly contributed to a number of improved clinical practices and health outcomes. The Foundation has a specific objective to promote and enable high-quality research, foster new researchers, and boasts an internationally recognised research program in perinatal medicine.

An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Assistant to join the WIRF Perinatal Research Laboratories based at the UWA Crawley site. This role is offered on a full time basis for a fixed term of 12 months.

This position will involve a variety of research support tasks, which will include a mix of administrative, logistical, and experimental tasks. The successful candidate will work alongside scientists and clinicians to conduct animal studies and laboratory work in protocols investigating preterm birth including use of an artificial placenta for extremely preterm babies, optimisation of antenatal steroid therapy and postnatal ventilation studies investigating lung injury. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with collaborators across Australia, Singapore, Japan, Chile, and the US. The role will allow the development of a broad range of skills that can be transferred to any research environment.

In this role, you will (but are not limited to):

• Conduct animal studies including animal handling, monitoring and intervention.
• Careful and accurate documentation of experimental procedures and outcomes. 
• Laboratory analysis including PCR, western blot, LC-MS, histology – preparation of tissue, staining and imaging. 
• Administration tasks including scheduling, logistics and technical support tasks. 
• Assist with routine laboratory duties including monitoring of stock levels, ordering consumables, scheduling maintenance of laboratory equipment, and the preparation of SOPs. 
• Set up and conduct surgical workshops (workshops will run on Saturday, five annually).
• Actively participate in laboratory and team meetings and support the foundation in pursuing its objectives.

Selection Criteria

• Completion of a relevant degree.
• Demonstrated experience in relevant scientific skills, research methods, techniques, and protocols.
• Demonstrated organisational and administrative skills with the ability to coordinate activities and prioritise tasks.
• Competency in a range of computing skills including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, internet and email.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collate and analyse data.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in both written and oral communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues, participants (surgical workshop) and suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously as well as effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory health and safety. 
• Ability to work well with students and staff from differing academic disciplines and cultural backgrounds.

Appointment Prerequisites

• Provision of the minimum identity proofing requirements.
• Successful Criminal Record Screening Clearance.
• Ability to work outside of normal office hours when required.
• Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. 

Applicants are advised to write a statement addressing the selection criteria and provide a detailed resume which summarises your experience and how you are able to meet the position requirements.  

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Erin Fee at ********@uwa.edu.au