Research Assistant – Transplantation Immunology

Advances in modern genetics reveals the extent of human diversity at the single gene level allowing the impact of such diversity to be investigated. The Transplant Immunology Laboratory utilises functional genomics approaches to show how genetic diversity in the master inflammatory regulator gene TNFAIP3 [aka A20] can alter protein function and thereby the threshold of inflammation with implications for autoimmunity and transplantation, but also resilience to infection and cancer. Because these studies reflect on genetic diversity evident in modern human populations, including that of Australian First Nations people, this work would advance impact goals of equity and access in health, as well as contribute to the building of population and personalised based understanding of infection and inflammation for diverse populations.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Research Assistant, is accountable for conducting experiments within the Translation Science Research Pillar in the Transplantation Immunology Laboratory and will report to the Lab head and other lab staff as directed. They would be optimally experienced in many of these following areas of laboratory expertise including: immunology and molecular biology; animal models of disease, histopathology; protein analysis (WB); Flow cytometry and analysis; tissue culture; reporter assays; mRNA extraction and RT-PCR; an understanding of human genetics with any bioinformatics experience would be a plus.

Salary: Up to $93,000 + 14% super + salary packaging

Employment Type: 1 year maximum term contract

SNAP SHOT OF BENEFITS

• Generous 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 development

• Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment

• Flexible work arrangements e.g. location, start / finish times etc

• 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation

• A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave

• Discounted Health Insurance

• Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

WHAT YOU WILL DO

RA1 – RA2

Performs under supervision

An RA1- RA2 is accountable for conducting experiments within his/her Research Pillar and key responsibilities include:

• Conduct experiments under supervision such as tissue culture, genotyping, maintenance and monitoring of mouse colonies and routine assays

• Record experimental procedures and results

• Regularly attend meetings with the wider Research Pillar community as required

• Be involved in junior lab responsibilities such as:

• Store duties, wash-up and cleaning of shared rooms

• Stock control: monitoring and ordering consumables under supervision

• Media preparation

• Responsible for imparting knowledge in relation to limited skills or experimental expertise

RA3 – RA4

Performs under guidance rather than constant supervision

An RA3 – RA4 is accountable under guidance for conducting experiments within his/her Research Pillar. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 – RA2, key responsibilities include:

• Assist with and perform more complex experiments, under guidance

• Assist with interpretation of experimental procedures and results

• Create and present reports on scientific findings under guidance

• Responsible for imparting knowledge in relation to specific skills or experimental expertise

• Regularly attend meetings with the wider Research Pillar community to discuss and review current and future technologies and experiments as assigned

• Carry out own experiments, according to the project aims as set out by supervisor, ensuring the quality of research is consistent and reliable

• Assist new members of the Research Pillar within the laboratory

• Make presentations of research progress to the Research Pillar as assigned

• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications and research proposals

RA5 – RA6

Performs in a reporting framework

An RA5 – RA6 will work in a collaborative environment when conducting experiments within his/her Research Pillar. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 – RA4, key responsibilities include:

• Design and manage own experiments and report and discuss findings back to supervisor

• Regularly attend extra seminar meetings and conferences

• Contribute towards research projects through to joint authorship of abstracts and publications in journals specific to field

• Develop 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 management

• Organise resource and equipment issues

RA7 – RA8

Performs in a collaborative framework

An RA7 – RA8 is accountable for conducting independent experiments within his/her Research Pillar in a collaborative framework with his/her 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 lab

• Act as the point of knowledge for historical information about the operation of the laboratory

• In line with the operating budget – stock control: monitoring and ordering consumables

• Responsible for training new team members in line with laboratory protocols

ABOUT YOU

RA1 – RA2

• RA 1 – Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours);

• RA 2 – Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (1st Class Honours);

• Competent computer skills (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)

RA3 – RA4

• Bachelors’ 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 – RA6

• Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours)

• 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 5 years’ experience within a lab, however this alone is not sufficient.

RA7 – RA8

• Master’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.

Research Assistants within the Garvan are expected to possess the following attributes as shown below:

RA1 – RA2

• Strong commitment to quality.

• Team-focused approach.

• High degree of flexibility.

• Ability to take direction well.

• Showing ability to time manage.

• Appropriate prioritisation of workload.

• Good communication skills.

• Comfortable with basic decision making.

RA3 – RA4

• Ability to act under guidance rather than constant supervision.

• Displaying innovative and proactive abilities.

• Developing intellectual understanding of current research field.

• Good communication skills.

• Comfortable with moderate decision making.

RA5 – RA6

• Ability to work autonomously.

• Display innovative and proactive abilities.

• Develop intellectual understanding of current research field.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Comfortable with high level decision making.

RA7 – RA8

• Exercises good judgment – takes a ‘thinking’ approach to their work.

• High level of innovativeness.

• High level of self-motivation.

ABOUT GARVAN

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.

Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.

We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.

Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

HOW TO APPLY

To 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. We are reviewing applications as they are received.