Research Assistant – Centre For Heart Health

THE HEART RESEARCH INSTITUTE is a centre of excellence in cardiovascular medical research affiliated with the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney located in Newtown, Sydney. Our research is to understand the origins and mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and heart failure, and the contributions of diabetes and thrombosis. 

THE CHARLES PERKINS CENTRE is facilitating world-class research; the translation of knowledge into practical solutions; the development of innovative, cross-disciplinary teaching programs to inspire the next generation of researchers; and forging new research partnerships within and beyond the University to enable the centre to deliver unique insights and results. This ambitious mission is underpinned by two key components:

• An academic program that covers research and teaching
• A state-of-the-art world-class building

The partnership between The Heart Research Institute and the Charles Perkins Centre brings together our best minds from across the academic spectrum through cross-disciplinary collaboration to develop innovative approaches to alleviating the burden of cardiovascular disease. For more information, visit The Heart Research Institute at http://www.hri.org.au and the Charles Perkins Centre at http://sydney.edu.au/perkins/

Interested applicants will be joining a dynamic research program in the new Centre for Heart Health Research Group of HRI, headed by Professor Julie McMullen (Research Scientist, HRI) involving collaborative research with local and international research groups. 

The main role of the Research Assistant is to facilitate the day-to-day activities and progress of the projects. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, well-organised and have excellent oral and written communication skills. An ability to work autonomously and to be self-directed in learning whilst contributing to team discussions will be necessary. 

The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility of renewal. There is likely to be some interstate travel to Melbourne for training purposes involved in the role.

What we offer:

• An opportunity to be part of a leading clinical research team investigating health outcomes in congenital heart disease
• Outstanding opportunity to work in a world-class research and education precinct
• A supportive network and ongoing training opportunities
• Rewarding work – making a difference everyday to those living with cardiovascular disease

To view all of the benefits of working at HRI, please view our Benefits page: https://www.hri.org.au/join-us/benefits

Essential criteria – you will have:

• A BSc Honours degree in a relevant area of medical science
• Experience in performing biochemical and molecular assays e.g. qPCR, Western blotting
• Experience with mouse handling
• Good interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Demonstrate an ability to meet deadlines without compromising close attention to detail and accuracy.

Desirable criteria – you will have:

• 2-3 years or more experience in a similar role
• Experience in models of cardiac disease and assessment of heart function in mice (e.g. Langendorff, echocardiography)
• Surgical techniques in mice
• Experience with omics techniques (transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics)
• Confocal microscopy experience

Position requirements: In addition to the listed criteria, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the research program by performing a range of research related tasks which may include the following:

• Assist in the conduct and design of experiments
• Assist in the general supervision of students in the laboratory
• Assist in the preparation of documents (for grant applications, research/conference papers, ethics applications)
• Provide administrative and financial management support for research projects and programs including the maintenance of electronic data bases and records
• Maintain lab equipment and materials including waste disposal and ordering supplies

Enquiries: Please forward any enquires to the HR team: *******@hri.org.au

How to apply: 

Your application should include:

• A cover letter addressing the essential and desirable criteria and addressed to Julie McMullen
• A current resume
• The names and full contact details of three professional referees (including email addresses)

Eligibility:

To apply for this position, you must have an appropriate Australian or New Zealand working rights.

For more information about The Heart Research Institute, please visit our website www.hri.org.au.

The Heart Research Institute supports Equal Employment Opportunity. 

We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, LGBTQI individuals and applicants of diverse cultures and ages. 

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees and affiliates, and our community. Whoever you are, you are welcome at HRI.

If you have a disability and need support to submit your application, please email *******@hri.org.au 

This is a Category A position according to the NSW Health Policy - Occupational Assessment, Screening Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases. The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of protection against the infectious diseases specified, at their own cost, prior to appointment.