Research Assistant: Centre For Transplant And Renal Research

Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes located at the heart of the Westmead Health Precinct, designated as the lighthouse precinct for Biomedical technology by the NSW Government. WIMR is an independent medical research institute governed by a Board. It is a multi-disciplinary institute with research across key themes being:

• Infection and Immunity
• Cancer
• Liver and Metabolic
• Neuroscience and Vision
• Cardio-respiratory

Closely affiliated with the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, the Institute’s research extends from the laboratory to the patient using the basic tools of molecular and cell biology, genetic epidemiology, imaging technology and clinical research.

Biomedical research in the Institute extends into clinical research programs across a wide range of disciplines which may interface with the many clinical trials in progress at any one time. This “bench to bedside” approach enables greater translation of research from biomedical discovery to the development of new prevention strategies, diagnostics and more effective treatments.

The Research Assistant will assist in research on genomics and cell therapies in kidney disease.

Research area: Kidney disease, Kidney transplantation, Spatial technologies Principal supervisor(s): Dr Jennifer Li, Prof Natasha Rogers and Prof Philip O’Connell 

Primary Site: Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research.

Key areas of responsibility include: 

•  Plan and conduct of experiments according to GCP and the policies and procedures of the WIMR. 
•  Animal studies: monitor and maintain mouse colonies, collection of samples.
•  Human samples: collection and curation of the clinical kidney transplant samples.
•  Laboratory experiments including but not limited to spatial genomics on kidney samples, advanced imaging on kidney samples, imaging mass cytometry experiments on kidney samples, cell culture of human blood monocytes, high throughput sequencing, PCR, flow cytometry. 
•  Maintain up to date lab records and contribute to publications, presentations and grant applications.
•  Participation in lab meetings and seminars at CTRR and WMH Renal Unit.

The successful candidate will have:

Minimum 

• Australian citizenship (or permanent residency) 
•  Minimum undergraduate degree in a biomedical science related field 
•  Minimum laboratory experience of 6 months in the field of biological sciences 
•  Demonstrated ability to form successful collaborative links with other teams 
•  Excellent written, oral and presentation skills 

Highly desirable

• Experience to conduct small animal work 
•  Experience with advanced imaging or bioinformatics 
•  Experience with kidney transplant or kidney disease related research

Why join WIMR?

• Be part of an organisation that has a strong foundation of encouraging curious, solution focused thinking and collaboration.
• The incredible pride that comes with supporting a team who are literally striving to change the world and save lives.
• Beautiful building incorporating professional cafe, bike storage facilities, showering facilities, world class equipment and facilities.
• Close to public transport / on-site parking.
• NFP ability to salary sacrifice for tax benefits (increase your take home pay!)
• Option for novated leasing.
• Paid parental leave program.
• Access to employee assistance program