Research Fellow Grade 1/Grade 2

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

The Research Fellow will work on the National Health and Medical Research Council funding IDEAS grant “Disassembled/reassembled extracellular vesicles (DR-EVs) - a new class of nanoparticles for disease treatment”. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles shed naturally by all normal cells and are regarded as a highly promising platform drug delivery of mRNA. However, to date these efforts have had poor success. We have invented a new packaging process that is dramatically better and will improve this further by adding new lipids and proteins. The successful applicant will test them in animal model systems for their therapeutic and vaccine potential.

The Research Fellow will work within the Centre for Cell and Gene Medicine under the supervision of the projects Chief Investigator, Professor Nigel McMillan. The Research Fellow will occupy a research-only position and will be expected to contribute to excellence in research, project delivery and engagement, and to develop their expertise in these areas.

The Research Fellow will lead and support team research contributing to the project in terms of research design, project management. development of data-sets, data manipulation, data analysis, and drafting of academic papers. 

This is a fixed term (up to 3 years), full time position and will be based at the Griffith University Gold Coast campus. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations. Griffith University's campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
The full time equivalent base salary for a Research Fellow (Grade 1) is in the range $84,830 - $99,367 per annum + 17% superannuation.  The total FTE package will be in the range $99,251 - $116,259.

The full time equivalent base salary for a Research Fellow (Grade 2) is in the range $108,298 - $128,608 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $126,708 - $150,471 per annum.

What matters most is your drive to create a brighter future that benefits all. Through our core principles of excellence, ethics and engagement, you’ll thrive on seeing the direct and lasting impact you’ll have on every community and every future.

You will also have:

• A PhD or equivalent qualifications/work experience in a relevant field (nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, nanoparticles, virology, cancer).
• Demonstrated experience in nanoparticle, EV, virological and/or cancer research. Specifically, experience in in vivo mouse animal work and have a high-level technical ability in molecular biology laboratory skills including semi and quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, in vitro culturing of mammalian cells.
• Demonstrated high level interpersonal skills as well as verbal and written communication skills.
• Have a track record of publication in esteemed peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimal supervision to meet competing deadlines, and work effectively as a team member and communicate with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience in the supervision of higher degree research candidates.
• PC3 lab training and demonstrated experience in PC3 facility work with pathogens (desirable).
• Demonstrated ability to obtain competitive research funding (desirable).

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the qualifications above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Professor Nigel McMillan, Director, Centre for Cell and Gene Medicine on **********@griffith.edu.au.

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Jinita Dhall, Talent Acquisition Partner on *******@griffith.edu.au.

For application support, please contact People Services on +61 (0) 7 3735 4011 and quote reference number REF4922A.

Closing date: Tuesday, 16 April 2024 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.