Research Assistant - Swarbrick Lab

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading researchers and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to improve human health. Our mission is to harness all the information encoded in our genome to better diagnose, treat, predict and prevent disease. From the individual patient with rare disease, to the many thousands affected by complex, widespread illness, we are pioneering discoveries across diseases that have the deepest impact on our community.THE OPPORTUNITYWe are seeking an experienced Research Assistant to continue analysis of large, well characterised clinical cohorts of primary and metastatic cancer samples in the Swarbrick Lab. The appointed person will have well developed skills in immunohistochemistry, multi-immunofluorescence, and must be comfortable working with human specimens. Previous experience in cryo-sectioning is desired. The appointed person must have a willingness to work with animal models, if necessary, with previous experience desired but not essential. There will be an emphasis on designing, optimising, and executing experiments. The candidate will have high attention to detail, with extensive organisational and documentation skills, and the ability to think deeply to problem solve and take initiative in tasks. Ability to work as part of a large multi-disciplinary team and individually is a must.Salary: Up to $99,000 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)Employment Type: 1 year term contract with possibility of extensionSNAPSHOT OF BENEFITSGenerous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)Ample opportunities for on-going training and developmentStimulating, diverse and highly international research environmentFlexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuationA range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leaveDiscounted Health InsuranceLifestyle discounts with our community partnersWHAT YOU WILL DORA3 – RA4Performs under guidance rather than constant supervisionAn RA3 – RA4 is accountable under guidance for conducting experiments within their Research Platform. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 – RA2, key responsibilities include:Assist with and perform more complex experiments, under guidanceAssist with interpretation of experimental procedures and resultsCreate and present reports on scientific findings under guidanceResponsible for imparting knowledge in relation to specific skills or experimental expertiseRegularly attend meetings with the wider Research Platform community to discuss and review current and future technologies and experiments as assignedCarry out own experiments, according to the project aims as set out by supervisor, ensuring the quality of research is consistent and reliableAssist new members of the Research Platform within the laboratoryMake presentations of research progress to the Research Platform as assignedContribute to the preparation of grant applications and research proposalsRA5 – RA6Performs in a reporting frameworkAn RA5 – RA6 will work in a collaborative environment when conducting experiments within their Research Platform. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 – RA4, key responsibilities include:Design and manage own experiments and report and discuss findings back to supervisorRegularly attend extra seminar meetings and conferencesContribute towards research projects through to joint authorship of abstracts and publications in journals specific to fieldDevelop research-related material for the benefit of scholars with appropriate guidance from senior staff, and assist in the design and/or the operation of specialised laboratory and technical equipment or the conduct of advanced research procedures;Proactively and efficiently manage the administrative functions associated with lab managementOrganise resource and equipment issuesRA7 – RA8Performs in a collaborative frameworkAn RA7 – RA8 is accountable for conducting independent experiments within their Research Platform in a collaborative framework with their supervisor. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities, key responsibilities include:Design and manage own experiments in a creative but process-driven manner. Asks pertinent questions and considers the implications of the research being undertaken and considered ways to improve the experiments being undertaken.Senior responsibilities consistent with managing a labAct as the point of knowledge for historical information about the operation of the laboratoryIn line with the operating budget - stock control: monitoring and ordering consumablesResponsible for training new team members in line with laboratory protocolsApplies to all levels:Specific roles required for this position include:Assist with cell and tissue preparation for various next-generation sequencing analysis such as single cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomicsProcess human tissue and bloods from research participantsExtraction, QC and clean-up of nucleic acid from tissue and blood samplesOptimise and perform immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays on OCT and FFPE tissues (human and mouse)Basic microscopy and slide imagingLiaising with internal and external scientific service providers to prepare and submit samplesMeticulous sample tracking and cataloguingABOUT YOUBachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours)Competent computer skills (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)High level of accuracy and attention to detail;Specific technical expertise relating to position or field of study;Competent report writing and presentation skills;Appointment at this level would normally require at least 4 years’ experience within a lab, however this alone is not sufficient.RA5 – RA6Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours)Advanced communication skills, both written and verbalAdvanced problem solving skillsPresentation skills – professionally drawn graphs, figure legends and method sections to publishable standardProficiency in interpreting data and resultsSound understanding of clinical aspects of the research requiredDisplays considerable experience and expertise in a broad range of procedures relevant to the current research fieldAppointment at this level would normally require at least 5 years’ experience within a lab, however this alone is not sufficient.RA7 – RA8Master’s Degree preferable.Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal.Advanced problem solving skills.Presentation skills – professionally drawn graphs, figure legends and method sections to publishable standard.Proficiency in interpreting data and results.Sound understanding of clinical aspects of the research required.Displays considerable experience and expertise in a broad range of procedures relevant to the current research field.Appointment at this level would normally require at least 6 years’ experience within a lab, however this alone is not sufficient.Applies to all levels:Extensive organisational and documentation skills;Experience with commercial nucleic extraction kits highly desirable;Experience in IHC, IF and histology essential;Basic microscopy skills highly desirable;Experience in cryo-sectioning desirable;Experience working with human tissue and/or primary cell lines highly desirable;Willingness to work with human specimens and animal models essential;HOW TO APPLYTo apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.