Classification: ANU Officer Grade 5/6 (Research)
Salary package: $77,399 - $90,937 per annum, plus 17% superannuation
Terms: Full Time, Fixed Term (up to 1 year)
Position description & Selection Criteria:  Final PD &PEWER (2).pdf

Position Overview

Parasitic infections and related diseases affect millions of people, livestock and companion animals globally. Parasitic pathogens contribute to human and veterinary diseases such as, liver fluke, leishmaniasis, coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, and malaria. These organisms rely on the uptake of lipids from their host for survival.

Targeting the parasites own mechanism of lipid uptake, researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) have developed an effective drug delivery method to treat such infections using a novel drug-lipid conjugate. Parasitic uptake of the conjugate leads to bioaccumulation of the anti-parasitic drug in the targeted cell and has been shown to be effective in virulent and transmissible stages of parasite development.

The Research Officer will provide research support to convert the novel drug delivery system into translational outcomes assessing a range of protozoan and helminth parasites. The Research Officer conducts experiments and provides comprehensive support on a diverse range of research activities. These activities are primarily in the areas of maintaining parasite cell line in culture and determining drug efficacy, but also include parasite genetics, flow cytometry, imaging and lipid and protein biochemistry. Furthermore, the Research Officer will assist in the reporting of research outcomes, communication with key stakeholders, compliance, and training of other laboratory members.

The Research Officer reports directly to the Lead PI of the project, and liaises with a wide range of stakeholders and providing assistance with the design and implementation of research directions. The Research Officer is responsible for providing general support related to allocated research activities.

The College

The ANU College of Science encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Physics, and Science Communication and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres.  Staff and students within the ANU College of Science conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities. 

The School

The Research School of Biology is a leading centre of biological research in Australia. The School carries out world-class research and teaching across a diverse range of biological and biomedical sciences, and oversees the University’s Biology curriculum.

To find out more about the Science at ANU community, follow us on social media at Instagram and Facebook.

For further information please contact Alexander Maier, T: +61 2 6125 0832, E: alex.maier@anu.edu.au.  

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au.

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion.

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees, you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
• Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process.  An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.

Closing date: 19 March 2023.