AddressIn Vitro Biologist, WEHI Ventures (Blewitt Lab)
An opportunity exists for a full-time Venture Research Officer or Venture Research Assistant to join the newly created and growing WEHI Ventures team at WEHI, working embedded within the Blewitt laboratory in the Epigenetics and Development Division. This role is part of a WEHI Ventures drug discovery program that is focused on developing novel small molecule therapies that target epigenetic silencing as potential treatment for the rare neurodevelopmental disorder Prader-Willi Syndrome.
About the Position
WEHI Ventures aims to improve human health outcomes and maximise the impact of WEHI's discovery science through the development of innovative products and services. Spinout company formation and licensing WEHI intellectual property to spinouts, as well as licensing WEHI intellectual property (IP) to industry players are the pathways that WEHI Ventures is using to commercialise its discoveries. WEHI Ventures will achieve these goals through the deployment and management of its committed 66ten Fund ($66M over the next 10 years), as well as through the contribution of expertise of WEHI Ventures team members.
The Venture Research Officer / Venture Research Assistant position is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a 66ten-funded project by generating data crucial for progression towards the clinic/commercial endpoint and provides a unique pathway for career development and growth. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn more about, and contribute meaningfully to, drug discovery and development within a venture capital funded project.
The primary objective of this position is to contribute to in vitro biology aspects of the drug discovery project, including by creating reporter cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. The staff member will validate new cell lines, optimize small molecule treatment protocols and subsequently use these cell lines to screen small molecules produced by chemists working on the project. The position will also be responsible for developing and executing other in vitro assays as necessary for the progression of the project. The Venture Research Officer / Venture Senior Research Assistant will work in a cross-disciplinary, milestone focused, commercial project team with other members of the WEHI Ventures team, as well as with other Blewitt lab members. The successful applicant is expected to take responsibility for all aspects of the work, including reporting back to the rest of the team.
Selection Criteria
- A relevant doctoral qualification or equivalent (Venture Research Officer), or a relevant undergraduate or masters' qualification plus suitable years of work experience in the field (Venture Research Assistant).
- Extensive experience with tissue culture of mammalian cells is essential.
- Experience using CRISPR/Cas9 is essential, experience with homology directed repair is desirable.
- Molecular biology experience is essential e.g. PCR, sequencing etc.
- FACS and Imaging experience would be an advantage.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a team environment.
- Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that data, methods and theories are accurate, of high-quality and accessible to other researchers.
- Basic computer skills and ability to accurately record data, results and the development of new methods and theories.
- Ability to manage time effectively and be reliable and approachable.
- Ability to work on a commercially focused, milestone-driven project.
Terms of appointment
This position is available for three years. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.
- Venture Research Officer, A6-A8 ($97,152 - $104,281) or;
- Venture Research Assistant, RSE 7 ($97,991 - $106,076).
Specific questions about this opportunity may be directed to Dr Nicholas Liau (******@wehi.edu.au) or Professor Marnie Blewitt (*******@wehi.edu.au).
A position description is available Venture Research Officer and Venture Research Assistant.
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: 26 May 2024
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At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.
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