Pre-Clinical Research Assistant, Oncology

• Full time fixed term for 12 months (with possible extension) at the Kolling Institute, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards
• Great opportunity to provide technical support for small animal (rodent) experiments at Bill Walsh Laboratories
• Base Salary $79,717 + 17% super

About the opportunity

This position is funded by the Mark Hughes Foundation, based at the Kolling Institute / The University of Sydney Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital. This position is within the preclinical pipeline for advancing cancer therapeutics (PACT) team which enables preclinical studies for researchers with novel oncology products by performing in vivo experiments. The research is performed within the Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory and the Kearns Small Animal Facility at the Kolling Institute.

As a Pre-Clinical Research Assistant, you will provide technical support for small animal (rodent) oncology experiments and ensure the wellbeing of the laboratory animals. You will assist to undertake ethically approved protocols using standard operating procedures which may include administration of therapies, imaging and necropsies for collection and preparation of tissues for analysis.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• co-ordinate, support and undertake small animals' experiments for Oncology researchers nationally and internationally
• co-ordinate and follow ethically approved standard operating procedures to perform or assist with animal procedures such as engraftment, administration of radiation and other therapies, monitoring, imaging and collection of tissues and specimens for further testing
• conduct cell culture, accurate record keeping and electronic database entry of all procedures and monitoring observations and the preparation of reports
• Work is carried out ensuring the relevant Work, Health and Safety standards of the laboratory are met and are aligned to the University's WHS policy
• therapies include radiation and will involve training for the operation of the Xstrahl Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) as well as the administration of various agents and assistance with surgical procedures
• imaging and monitoring include visual observation for well-being, weighing mice, calliper measurements, CT and bioluminescence imaging, ultrasound imaging and other modalities that may become available. This position will record all procedures performed, maintain accurate animal monitoring records, enter data into electronic databases and prepare reports, protocols and applications as required.

About you

• tertiary scientific qualifications and/or certified to work in a laboratory together with some proven experience undertaking small animal experiments including grafted models and animal handling
• previous laboratory experience with aseptic culturing and maintaining mammalian primary cells and, or cell lines, as well as molecular techniques
• proven experience with design of laboratory and small animal experiments
• experience with establishment and, or documentation of experimental standard operating procedures is desirable
• experience with preparation of or assisting with animal ethics submissions and reports is desirable
• undertake ad hoc projects assigned by your supervisor
• demonstrated high-level ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters that may arise as part of normal daily work.
• ability to organise and prioritise work
• proven working knowledge and acute awareness of safety regulations and operating procedures within the laboratory environment including experience in working with hazardous substances with well-rounded experience in implementing safety procedures relevant to the laboratory and animal facility.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Deepna Chand by email to Deepna.chand@sydney.edu.au.

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 19 March 2023 11:59 PM