Role type: Full Time; Fixed Term for 2 years
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Anatomy and Physiology
Salary: $78,115 - $85,555 p.a. plus 17% super

• Gain hands-on experience with advanced techniques.
• Apply now to be part of pioneering research improving quality of life for Parkinson's patients.
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity
As a Research Assistant in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology, you'll play a crucial role in developing new pharmaceutical treatments for Parkinson's Disease-related constipation. You'll gain invaluable experience in advanced research techniques, including chemogenetic approaches and viral transfection. This role offers you the chance to directly impact patient outcomes while working in a collaborative, values-driven environment at the forefront of digestive physiology research.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conduct Innovative Research: Perform viral tracing and transfection experiments in rodents, evaluate colo-rectal function, and contribute to Parkinson's Disease model development.
• Analyse and Report Findings: Contribute to data collection and analysis using specialised programs and assist in the preparation of research publications and conference presentations.
• Support Laboratory Operations: Participate in laboratory meetings, manage consumables and labware, and ensure compliance with safety protocols and ethical standards.
• Collaborate and Communicate: Work effectively within the research team and engage with the wider scientific community to advance the field of digestive physiology.

You may be a great fit if:
You are a dedicated and skilled researcher with a BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant field, possessing expertise in animal-based research and a strong commitment to advancing digestive physiology studies in a collaborative environment.

You may also:

• Have practical knowledge of using viral transcripts in small animal research.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective research collaboration.
• Demonstrate strong analytical abilities and proficiency in data analysis techniques.
• Have experience in stereotaxic surgery, immunohistochemistry, histology, and microscopy (desirable).
• Be willing to work occasionally outside normal hours to complete crucial experiments.
• Hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team - Department of Anatomy and Physiology
The Department of Anatomy and Physiology is a highly successful teaching and research department within the School of Biomedical Sciences. We teach into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science and the Master of Biomedical Science through the delivery of subjects across the teaching disciplines of Anatomy, Cell & Developmental Biology, Neuroscience, and Physiology. Our teaching programs are widely recognised for their innovative approach and delivery, both through the development of online resources and in the use of student-focused, active learning approaches. Constant review and refinement of the curriculum and educational methods ensures that we best prepare students for scientific independence as they enter graduate and postgraduate professional and research careers.

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker - 0478 269 660 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to [email protected]. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at [email protected].

Working at the University - what you need to know
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^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

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Nick Petersen via email at [email protected], ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: 12:01 AM on Friday 8 August Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR-001460_Research Assistant - Digestive Physiology_PD.pdf