The Human Immune Disorders Laboratory investigates the development and function of immune cell populations in healthy and disease settings. In particular, there is an emphasis on the study of inborn errors of immunity – patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) resulting from disease-causing monogenic germline mutations that affect the functioning of the immune system. Specifically, we investigate defects in the development and function of immune cells in patients with PIDs to determine how these genetic variants result in disease susceptibility. In doing so we aim to provide a molecular explanation for the clinical phenotype displayed by these individuals and have significant impacts on improved the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients in whom these mutations are found. In particular, there is currently a large emphasis on deciphering mechanisms of allergic disease.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Research Assistant is accountable for conducting experiments within their Research Platform. This role is to provide research assistance to ongoing projects in the lab

Salary: Up to $77,200 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 2 year fixed-term contract with possibility to extend

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

The key responsibilities include:

Isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells from whole blood from patient and healthy donors for storage in vapour phase

Multiparameter flow cytometry including detection of antigen specific T and B cells.

In vitro human assays on lymphocytes such as:

activation of human CD4+ T cells, AIMs assay, detection of cytokine expression and secretion by flow cytometry and cytometric beads arrays, respectively.

activation of human B cells and detection of Ig expression and secretion by flow cytometry and ELISAs, respectively.

Single cell RNA sequencing; preparation of samples and downstream analysis.

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience of a Research Officer include:

Have a Bachelor degree with honours (first class) or Master’s degree in Medical Science/Advanced Science/Science from a recognised tertiary University.

Background in Immunology/Cell biology would be advantageous

Laboratory experience, in particular the key responsibilities mentioned above

Have proven computer skills, notably in word processing, spreadsheets, email, and internet applications

Have excellent communication skills, written and verbal

Be able to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, students, and visitors

Have proven excellent organisational and prioritisation skills

Be able to work competently and effectively in unsupervised situations

Be able to effectively solve problems when they arise particularly when meeting deadlines

Be prepared to attend training courses as required and when appropriate

Interest in commencing a PhD in the lab

ABOUT GARVAN

Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.

Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.

We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.

Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively.

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.