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Research OfficerJob Description
An exciting opportunity is available for a Research Officer to join the WEHI Protein Production Facility at Bundoora within the Advanced Technology and Biology Division. WEHI Protein Production Facility is focused on producing high-quality recombinant proteins for biochemical and cell-based assays, antibody and nanobody generation, structural biology studies, in vivo studies and more.
About the Position
The Protein Production Facility aims to support WEHI researchers and provide bespoke target proteins and biologics to boost the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. This position will be located at WEHI’sBundoora site where the facility is located.
The successful applicant will have extensive experience in multiple aspects of protein biochemistry, including construct design, recombinant protein expression and purification optimization and scale-up, and biochemical and biophysical characterisation methods. Prior experience with mammalian, insect and bacterial cell expression systems for recombinant protein production is required. Experience in analysing protein structure and utilising modern modelling software for protein structural prediction will be highly regarded, as will experience in the production of membrane proteins and large macromolecular complexes.
The Research Officer will contribute to the facility’s goal to support and accelerate research at WEHI. The appointee is expected to support the Head of the facility in all aspects of the facility’s operations, including support in funding applications. The appointee is expected to be self-motivated and to have excellent organisation and communication skills. The appointee will operate under the direction of the Head of the Protein Production Facility.
Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:
A PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline such as Biochemistry
Demonstrated experience in construct design, optimization, scale-up expression, and purification of a variety of recombinant proteins
Demonstrated broad range of protein biochemical skills (e.g., cloning, recombinant expression and purification using AKTA systems)
Demonstrated experience in the successful production of proteins in mammalian, insect, and bacterial expression systems
Demonstrated experience in biophysical methods for protein characterisation
Demonstrated ability and potential for excellence and productivity in research
Desirable Knowledge and Skills:
Experience in SEC-MALS
Experience in protein structural analysis and modelling
Experience in producing recombinant membrane proteins and large macromolecular complexes
Experience in automation and the development of high-throughput protein production workflows
Experience in native protein purification and non-canonical expression systems
Personal Qualities:
Excellent interpersonal communications skills and the ability to liaise with staff and research students, professional/ technical staff and understand the complex requirements of scientists
Excellent time and quality management skills with a demonstrated ability to perform complex tasks, troubleshoot, and prioritize multiple projects
Demonstrated operations and organisational planning such as examining, developing, and implementing new strategies, procedures, and workflows
Ability to execute experiments accurately and with high competence
Adaptable and willing to provide training to other staff members, learn new systems and procedures as required
Work effectively within a team and individually
Accurate recording of results
Terms of Appointment
This position is available for 2 years in the first instance in a full-time capacity. Salary is Academic Level RE A6-A8 ($97,152-$104,281) subject to experience level. Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.
A position description is available here.
How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.
Application Closing Date: 12 April 2024.
