Research Assistant /Research Officer

About QIMR Berghofer:

QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Mental Health and Neuroscience, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non-research staff.

About Molecular Parasitology Laboratory

The Molecular Parasitology Laboratory is one of the leading tropical diseases laboratories in Australia. The laboratory researches the biology and epidemiology of parasitic worms of humans (Schistosoma and other soil-transmitted parasites) and works on developing new interventions, including vaccines, and diagnostic procedures that will lead to their elimination. Recently, we have developed CRISPR-based systems (CRISPR/Cas9, Cas12/Cas13 and CRISPR interference/activation), providing powerful approaches for gene functional studies in the identification of new drug/vaccine targets and diagnosis of parasite infection.

Role Purpose / Responsibilities:  

Applications are invited for either an experienced Research Assistant or Research Officer to join The Molecular Parasitology Laboratory.

The following duties will apply, dependent on qualifications and experience:

Research Assistant

• Run established and maintain parasitological/biochemical/immunological and biochemical procedures in the laboratory - training will be provided as necessary
• Test and benchmark new and existing tools
• Perform standard laboratory techniques including general molecular biology and immunology e.g. DNA/RNA extractions and PCR/qPCR, protein expression, Flow Cytometry, ELISA, Western blot

Research Officer

• Maintain and develop parasitological/biochemical/immunological and biochemical procedures in the laboratory
• Perform standard laboratory techniques and data analysis including general molecular biology and immunology e.g. gene editing, qPCR/digital PCR, protein expression and immune response detection, and animal vaccine/challenge work.
• Contribute to the supervision of Undergraduate and PhD students

About You:

• An Honours degree in molecular biology, or parasitology with minimum 2 years of direct experience is required for appointment to Research Assistant; Or a recent graduate PhD in molecular parasitology (or other relevant discipline) with < 2 years direct experience and a quantitative research background is required for appointment to Research Officer.
• Experience working in research laboratories and carrying out a wide range of laboratory techniques, including but not limited to:
  • DNA/RNA extraction,
  • qPCR/digital PCR, sequencing,
  • Plasmid reconstruction and cloning skills,
  • Protein expression, purification
  • Flow Cytometry,
  • ELISA, Western blot,
  • Cell culture
  • Animal handling
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with staff and operate as a valuable team member
• Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and coordinate tasks to meet deadlines

Remuneration: Salary range is $77,373 to $99,142 p.a. plus super and salary packaging. Level of appointment will be dependent on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time appointment for 1 year, with the option of renewing.

For further information:  please contact Dr Hong You (she/her) by email: ********@qimrberghofer.edu.au

Closing Date:  17 May 2024

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

To submit an application: use the APPLY button. All applicants must supply the following documents: Resume and Cover letter addressing the selection criteria outlined in the Position Description.

What we offer:

• Salary Packaging
• State of the art facilities
• Stimulating work setting focussed on cutting edge medical research
• Supportive/collaborative team environment
• Parental Leave Provisions