Research Assistant In Colorectal Cancer Histology

Job no: 0061704
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term until March 7th 2025
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Clinical Pathology and Centre for Cancer Research
Salary: Level A – $80,258 - $108,906 p.a. plus 17% super

• Lead groundbreaking cancer research projects with cutting-edge histological and immunohistochemical techniques.
• Collaborate with esteemed professionals, contributing to publications and grant applications.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the RoleThis is an exceptional opportunity for a Research assistant to be involved in groundbreaking cancer and pre-cancer projects in collaboration with the Department of Clinical Pathology and the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Cancer Research. As a key member of the Colorectal Oncogenomics Group, you'll lead histological and immunohistochemical endeavors, contributing to vital publications and grant applications. With the chance to engage in innovative techniques and foster leadership within a dynamic team, this role promises unparalleled growth and impact in the field of cancer research.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Liaise with pathology services across Australia to access tissue blocks and slides from study participants, perform paraffin microtomy where necessary and return blocks to labs, while maintaining accurate records of receipt, processing and returning of specimens.
• Experience with preserving fresh tissue and sectioning of fresh-frozen tissue
• Staining of tissue sections for routine morphological assessment and work with Pathologist to coordinate review of slides for pathology feature assessment and tracking of data entry of results into laboratory database.

Who We Are Looking For
You excel in communication, fostering collaboration and engagement in research. Whether working independently or as part of a team, you're self-motivated to consistently deliver exceptional results. Your knack for problem-solving and commitment to quality assurance drive the development of innovative laboratory methods and protocols.

You will also have:

• Bachelor of Science or Biological Science with Honours or Masters degree in relevant area
• Demonstrated experience with immunohistochemical stains across a range of antibodies/stains
• Demonstrated experience in histology including experience with paraffin microtomy and basic histology laboratory equipment
• Demonstrated ability to articulate scholarly research through public presentations or University level forums

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – Department of Clinical Pathology
The University of Melbourne's Clinical Pathology Department pioneers cancer research, focusing on molecular tumor defects for improved diagnostics and treatments. Located at the forefront Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, we collaborate extensively, driving advancements in cancer cell biology, DNA bio-banking, and cutting-edge sequencing. Beyond cancer, we shape medical leaders through our Doctor of Medicine program and support vibrant graduate cohorts.

What We Offer You!In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.   

Be YourselfThe University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at **********@unimelb.edu.au, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ApplicantsWe aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Tara via email at **********@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.