Maté Biro heads the Cancer Mechanoimmunology lab, which conducts multidisciplinary research at the interface between cancer cell biology, immunology, and biophysics, from fundamental discovery to practical applications, with a particular focus on the movements of cytotoxic lymphocytes and tumour cells, and the signaling and mechanical interactions between them. The overarching aim of the laboratory is to help develop effective immunotherapies targeting solid cancers.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are searching for a Research Assistant or a Senior Research Assistant. The Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant plays a key role in the Cancer Mechanoimmunology laboratory, providing practical research and administrative support to ensure successful delivery of projects by the group, and is accountable for supervising and conducting independent experiments, and for maintaining and advancing collaborations both within the Garvan Institute and external partners. The purpose of this role is to assist the Laboratory Head, staff, and students in laboratory management and in conducting research projects.

Salary: Up to $110,900 + 14% superannuation + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 1 year 10 month fixed term contract

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS

• Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)
• Ample opportunities for on-going training and development
• Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment
• Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times
• 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
• A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

WHAT YOU WILL DO

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior Research Assistant

• Performs in a supervisory responsibility framework
• Attaining previous level responsibilities as well as the following
• Supervisory responsibility of lab and associated activities: lead the research support team with supervision of other research assistant staff and students as required
• Contribute to the intellectual development of grant proposals in collaboration with supervisor
• Independently maintain and advance collaborative relationships with researchers and stakeholders associated with the laboratory’s projects and research, including organising and leading meetings as required
• Independently prepare ethics applications, grant applications, abstracts, annual and progress reports and research outputs
• Supervisory responsibilities of new staff including lab inductions and ensuring high standards and protocols are maintained

Research Assistant

RA1 – RA2
Performs under supervision
An RA1- RA2 is accountable for conducting experiments within their Research Program and key responsibilities include:

• Conduct experiments under supervision such as tissue culture, genotyping, maintenance and monitoring of mouse colonies and routine assays
• Record experimental procedures and results
• Regularly attend meetings with the wider Research Program community as required
• Be involved in junior lab responsibilities such as:
• Store duties, wash-up and cleaning of shared rooms
• Stock control: monitoring and ordering consumables under supervision
• Media preparation
• Responsible for imparting knowledge in relation to limited skills or experimental expertise
  

RA3 – RA4

Performs under guidance rather than constant supervision
An RA3 – RA4 is accountable under guidance for conducting experiments within their Research Program. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 – RA2, key responsibilities include:

• Assist with and perform more complex experiments, under guidance
• Assist with interpretation of experimental procedures and results
• Create and present reports on scientific findings under guidance
• Responsible for imparting knowledge in relation to specific skills or experimental expertise
• Regularly attend meetings with the wider Research Program community to discuss and review current and future technologies and experiments as assigned
  

RA5 – RA6
Performs in a reporting framework

• Design, manage and conduct own experiments, and supervise/mentor students/staff in the execution of such experimental work, and report and discuss findings back to supervisor
• Regularly attend extra seminar meetings and conferences
• Assist with the coordination of research activities and provide research support to laboratory members to meet project milestones
• Develop research-related material for the benefit of scholars with appropriate guidance from senior staff, and assist in the design and/or the operation of specialised laboratory and technical equipment or the conduct of advanced research procedures;
• Consult, liaise and develop strong relationships with collaborators (both internal and external) to achieve research outcomes
• Proactively and efficiently manage the administrative functions associated with lab management

RA7 – RA8

Performs in a collaborative framework

• Design and manage own experiments in a creative but process-driven manner. Asks pertinent questions and considers the implications of the research being undertaken and considered ways to improve the experiments being undertaken.
• Senior responsibilities consistent with managing a lab
• Develop and implement processes and procedures that support the research activities of the Cancer Mechanoimmunology laboratory, including but not limited to ordering of consumables/laboratory inventory management/monitoring and record- keeping/expense reimbursement processing/ facilitating the group’s commitment to adherence to institutional and research oversight and ethics committee policies
• Act as the point of knowledge for historical information about the operation of the laboratory
• In line with the operating budget - stock control: monitoring and ordering consumables

ABOUT YOU

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Senior Research Assistant

• Senior Research Assistants within Garvan are expected to possess the following attributes as shown below:
• Master’s Degree or equivalent
• This is an exceptional position for persons who consistently operate at the level of a Post Doc
• Appointment at this level would normally require at least 5 years’ experience within a high-performance lab, however this alone is not sufficient
• Exercises excellent judgment – takes a ‘thinking’ approach to their work
• High level of innovativeness
• High level of self-motivation
• Goes above and beyond
• Consistently displays intellectual independence
• Expertise with sterile tissue culture including of primary immune cells, plasmid design, cloning and purification, production of recombinant virus vectors
• Expertise in multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Experience in maintaining and sourcing laboratory consumables
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including data analysis, flow cytometry, sequence analysis and image analysis software, digital procurement software, electronic lab books
• Expertise and multiple years experience working with small animal models
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
• Demonstrated experience in training, mentoring and supporting research staff and students
• Demonstrated experience in drafting ethics applications (human and/or animal), GMO/NLRD protocols, and in diligent and accurate reporting to panels/committees overseeing research
• Proven ability to influence senior management and stakeholders as appropriate to ensure successful outcomes.

Research Assistant

The key skills and experience include:

RA1 – RA2

• RA 1 - Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours);
• RA 2 – Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (1st Class Honours);
• Competent computer skills (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)

RA3 – RA4

• Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours)
• Competent computer skills (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Specific technical expertise relating to position or field of study;
• Competent report writing and presentation skills;
• Appointment at this level would normally require at least 4 years’ experience within a lab, however this alone is not sufficient.

RA5 – RA6

• Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours)
• Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal
• Advanced problem solving skills
• Presentation skills – professionally drawn graphs, figure legends and method sections to publishable standard
• Appointment at this level would normally require at least 5 years’ experience within a lab, however this alone is not sufficient.
• Expertise with sterile tissue culture including of primary immune cells, plasmid design, cloning and purification, production of recombinant virus vectors
• Expertise in multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Experience in maintaining and sourcing laboratory consumables
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including data analysis, flow cytometry, sequence analysis and image analysis software, digital procurement software, electronic lab books
• Sound influencing and consultation skills and proven ability to interact effectively with diverse members/departments/units of a university or research-oriented institution.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

RA7 – RA8

• Master’s Degree preferable.
• Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Advanced problem solving skills.
• Displays considerable experience and expertise in a broad range of procedures relevant to the current research field.
• Appointment at this level would normally require at least 6 years’ experience within a lab, however this alone is not sufficient.
• Expertise with sterile tissue culture including of primary immune cells, plasmid design, cloning and purification, production of recombinant virus vectors
• Expertise in multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Experience in maintaining and sourcing laboratory consumables
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including data analysis, flow cytometry, sequence analysis and image analysis software, digital procurement software, electronic lab books
• Experience working with small animal models
• Sound influencing and consultation skills and proven ability to interact effectively with diverse members/departments/units of a university or research-oriented institution.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
• Demonstrated experience in training, mentoring and supporting research staff and students
• Demonstrated experience in drafting ethics applications (human and/or animal), GMO/NLRD protocols, and in diligent and accurate reporting to panels/committees overseeing research

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.