Research Assistant, Cellular and Molecular Biology

• Full time, fixed term for three years with possibility of extension
• Exciting opportunity to be a research assistant in cellular and molecular biology at the Meniere disease & Neuroscience Laboratory
• Base Salary from $79,717 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Medical Sciences is recognised as one of the leading centres for medical science education in the world. With over 100 years of excellence in education, we are proud to be training the next generation of medical scientists who will be leading members of the medical research community with an innovative integrated curriculum. Our team of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from molecules to medicines, from patient to policy across a range of therapeutic areas.

As a Research assistant, you will be working at the Kolling Institute North Sydney Health Campus for the School of Medical Sciences with Professor Jose Antonio Lopez-Escamez's group whom all share a passion for the research that is being undertaken. You will be involved in the day-to-day running of the Meniere disease & Neuroscience laboratory working on deciphering the genetic structure and mechanisms of inflammation in patients with Meniere disease a rare disorder of the inner ear characterised by episodes of vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. Briefly, one of the laboratory's main interests is to generate inner ear organoids by using Meniere's disease patient's derived iPSC to study their development and how external stressors can vary the course of it.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide technical assistance with stem cell culture (iPSC) and differentiation protocols.
• perform standard molecular biology analysis protocols to assess the effectiveness of treatments in cell culture and models of disease processes
• prepare samples for histology (Cryosectioning and staining)
• keep stock-take, prepare buffers and reagents
• conduct data analysis and prepare reporting and presentations
• keep databases up to date, such as patients and subject databases; biological sample databases and records, EXCEL essential, Outlook, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Onedrive experience desirable and willing to use multiple computer operating systems (ie. Macintosh, PC, Linux)
• maintain research laboratory, oversees operations and student research activity in the work area including:
  • overseeing daily operations of the research laboratory, providing technical support for affiliated researchers and graduate research students, teaching research methods to visiting scholars and research fellows and assisting junior staff with research methods.
  • providing day-to-day management and support in the laboratory with some supervision / broad guidance
  • has legible handwriting and high-level note-taking, general (supervised) lab assistance, accounting, managing equipment bookings and organizing maintenance
  • conducting regular maintenance checks on laboratory equipment.
  • working cooperatively and collaboratively with other laboratory staff
  • supervising students whilst they carry out research experiments in the laboratory
• support administration in general office administration, record keeping, general communications, scheduling and minuting research/laboratory meetings
• assist in preparing applications and regulatory approvals including Drafting, Proofreading and Editing; MS Word is essential
• undertake ad-hoc projects and other activities.

About you

• strong experience in cellular and molecular biology, including stem cell culture
• ability to develop multiple research tasks in a research-intensive environment
• extensive experience in developing and working on research projects, including expertise in using research protocols, experimental design, ethics submissions and grant applications
• good communications skills both oral and written English
• has good dexterity and manual handling skills
• having an interest in biomedical research and science is a highly desirable advantage.

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 Ajaypal Singh Recruitment Operations, by email to ajaypal.singh@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

Tuesday 04 April 2023 11:59 PM