Research Assistant

at Children's Medical Research Institute
Published November 25, 2019
Location Sydney, Australia
Category Information Technology  
Job Type Full-time  

Description

Research Assistant Children's Medical Research Institute location Sydney. Make an important contribution to the health of children through medical research. Work with one of Australia’s most respected national and independent medical research institutes. Located in Westmead, one of Sydney’s and Australia’s major biomedical research hubs. Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the nation’s most highly regarded independent medical research centres. CMRI’s research programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and committed research and support staff. In a collaborative effort with the University of Sydney and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN), CMRI has built a world-leading gene therapy program, capturing the entire translational journey from idea to therapeutic reality. Aligned with our efforts in the gene therapy space, CMRI has established Australian first Vector and Genome Engineering Facility (VGEF) dedicated to distribution of gene therapy tools and reagents, and Translational Vectorology Group (TVG), which specializes in the development of novel bespoke viral vectors and genome engineering tools for gene therapy applications. Both laboratories benefit from direct leadership of Dr Lisowski, a world expert in vector-based gene therapy. In addition to highly dedicated and motivated researchers, our achievements are made possible by a loyal network of community supporters, highly engaged donors and the very successful Jeans for Genes® fundraising campaign. Applications are invited for the position of Research Assistant at the CMRI’s core Vector and Genome Engineering Facility (VGEF). The successful applicant will be involved in production and use of genome engineering tools, as well as in maintenance and manipulation of a wide range of mammalian cell types (immortalized and pluripotent) under BSL2/2+ conditions. The successful candidate will also be responsible for performing basic molecular biology QA/QC assays, including but not limited to DNA purification, cloning, PCR and transfection. In addition, the position involves undertaking routine tasks related to the maintenance of the laboratory and preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). This appointment is initially for a fixed term of 12 months and continuing tenure is subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. The successful candidate must hold a Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent and have 2+ years of experience in general molecular biology and mammalian tissue culture techniques. The candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and attention to details, as well as the ability/will to improve his professional knowledge (e.g. learning new protocols and techniques). Preference will be given to applicants with experience in protein biochemistry, protein purification using Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC), prior hands-on experience working with viral vectors and experienced with BSL2 lab conditions. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel required. Applications are encouraged from enthusiastic and motivated individuals with excellent technical ability and communication skills. The successful applicant will be provided with a competitive remuneration package in accordance with qualifications and experience. Additional benefits include the provision of a Public Benevolent Institution salary packaging scheme and participation in an employer-contributed superannuation fund.