Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading scientists and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to advance our understanding of disease, particularly cancer, autoimmunity and genetic disorders. Garvan is a global leader in fundamental biomedical research and its translation. Our mission is to make discoveries that will improve health for all.

The Immunogenomics Lab at Garvan studies contribution of genes to the development of autoimmune, inflammatory and immunodeficiency diseases, as well as immune response to cancer. The lab utilises combinations of cellular and genomic sequencing technologies to investigate immune regulation in humans and mouse models. There is a focus on the role of somatic mutations in the development of self-reactive immune clones, as well as identifying key molecular targets to develop into clinical trials to treat autoimmune diseases.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Research Assistant, Level 3 to 6, is accountable for conducting experiments within their Research Platform.

The role will work within the Immunogenomics Lab, including on collaborative projects with other groups at Garvan. The role has been created to conduct experimental work related to two core interests of the lab: analysis of autoimmune patient samples, and employing in-vitro and animal models to test molecular targets in abrogating autoimmune inflammation.

Salary: Up to $99,000 + 14% superannuation + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 3-year 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

Key responsibilities include:

Perform experimental work and analyse data related to the projects

Assist in the design of experiments under the guidance of senior researchers

Assist with animal handling, including medication treatment of mice, in accordance with protocols and ethics guidelines

Accurate record keeping of experimental procedures, results and interpretation in a lab book

Work under the supervision of the lab manager and senior researchers to maintain and order lab consumables, prepare buffers, media and reagents

Ensure the maintenance of lab and Garvan equipment

Work with other lab members to ensure lab cleanliness and organisation

Participate in and present at lab meeting

RA3 – RA4

Performs under guidance rather than constant supervision

An RA3 – RA4 is accountable under guidance for conducting experiments within their Research Platform. 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 Platform community to discuss and review current and future technologies and experiments as assigned

Carry out own experiments, according to the project aims as set out by supervisor, ensuring the quality of research is consistent and reliable

Assist new members of the Research Platform within the laboratory

Make presentations of research progress to the Research Platform as assigned

Contribute to the preparation of grant applications and research proposals

RA5 – RA6

Performs in a reporting framework

An RA5 – RA6 will work in a collaborative environment when conducting experiments within their Research Platform. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 – RA4, key responsibilities include:

Design and manage own experiments and report and discuss findings back to supervisor

Regularly attend extra seminar meetings and conferences

Contribute towards research projects through to joint authorship of abstracts and publications in journals specific to field

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;

Proactively and efficiently manage the administrative functions associated with lab management

Organise resource and equipment issues

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience include:

Flow cytometry and FACS sorting

In-vitro cell culture

ELISA

DNA/RNA extraction and genomic sequencing

PCR

Handling of mice, including injecting mice

Single-cell sequencing methods (preferable)

Histology and microscopy experience (preferable)

The key general skills and experience for RA’s at Garvan include:

RA3 – RA4

Bachelor’s 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

Bachelor’s 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

Proficiency in interpreting data and results

Sound understanding of clinical aspects of the research required

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 5 years’ experience within a lab, however this alone is not sufficient.

Research Assistants within Garvan are expected to possess the following attributes as shown below:

RA3 – RA4

Ability to act under guidance rather than constant supervision.

Displaying innovative and proactive abilities.

Developing intellectual understanding of current research field.

Good communication skills.

Comfortable with moderate decision making.

RA5 – RA6

Ability to work autonomously.

Display innovative and proactive abilities.

Develop intellectual understanding of current research field.

Excellent communication skills.

Comfortable with high level decision making.

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.