Research Assistant, Immunology and Biochemistry

Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
Department/School: School of Biomedical Sciences
Salary: Level A – $77,171 – $104,717p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About - The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity

doherty.edu.au

The Doherty Institute is a world-class institute combining research, teaching, public health and reference laboratory services, diagnostic services and clinical care into infectious diseases and immunity. The Doherty’s activities are multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral, placing great emphasis on translational research and improving clinical outcomes. Teams of scientists, clinicians and epidemiologists collaborate on a wide spectrum of activities - from basic immunology and discovery research, to the development of new vaccines and new preventative and treatment methods, to surveillance and investigation of disease outbreaks.

About the Role

The successful candidate will work within a dynamic team led by Dr. Zhenjun Chen and Prof. McCluskey, across a range of projects. The role includes i) cell-based assays and flow cytometry for research with human cells (and mouse cells to a less extent); ii) protein work involving expression in bacterial/mammalian expressing systems, purification, refolding and function assays; iii) potential mass spectrometry for identifying small metabolite molecules; iv) some mouse work (monitoring and procedures, experimental work on mouse tissues), v) data analysis, interpretation and presentation, vi) routine house-keeping responsibilities and vii) supporting staff and student training.

Responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the laboratory’s research program focussing on understanding the biology of Mucosal-associated Invariant T (MAIT), MR1T cells and their engagement with MR1-antigen complexes expressed on antigen presenting cells (APCs).
• Independently, and alongside other researchers, plan and carry out experiments accurately and reproducibly, focused on completion of research project aims to meet agreed timelines and milestones
• Work closely with supervisors and collaborators to ensure timely and efficient progress towards project aims
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all experiments conducted

About You

You will have a strong interest in immunology. You will bring your exceptional organisational skills (multiple tasking and working with a deadline), possess the ability to work within a team atmosphere and be a self-starter.

You will also have:

• BSc (Honours) degree or equivalent with a major in Immunology, biochemistry or a related discipline
• Ability to work with senior researchers and help design, perform and analyse experiments in a timely manner
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a research team and interact in a courteous and effective manner with academic, administrative and support staff
• Experience with handling and experimentation on mice

Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia.

About the University

The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us

In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits.

Be Yourself

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au.

Applications close: 21st April 2023 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time

Position description: 0059109_Research Assistant_PD.pdf