Research Officer

The Neurotranscriptomics Laboratory at the Garvan Institute is at the forefront of integrating RNA biology with advanced computational and molecular techniques to unlock the mysteries of neurodegenerative disorders. Our cutting-edge research team comprises a dynamic mix of expert bioinformaticians and skilled molecular biologists, fostering a highly multidisciplinary environment. This unique blend of expertise allows us to tackle complex neurological challenges from multiple angles, driving innovative discoveries that could revolutionize our understanding and treatment of devastating brain diseases.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are currently seeking a talented and driven Research Officer to join the Neurotranscriptomics Laboratory of Associate Professor Robert Weatheritt.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), utilize advanced genomic technologies, and develop a diverse skill set in an interdisciplinary environment. As a Research Officer, you will lead an innovative project investigating the role of RNA processing in ALS pathology, employing cutting-edge techniques including single-cell sequencing, CRISPR editing technology, and differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells.

Salary: Up to $101,800 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 1 year term with potential 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
- Utilize and optimize iPSC differentiation protocols
- Implement CRISPR-dCas9 technology for genomic manipulations
- Perform and analyze next-generation sequencing, including single-cell RNA-seq
- Designing experiments. Collating and interpreting results
- Differentiation of iPSCs into mature neurons for disease modelling
- Generate publication-quality data and lead the development of high-impact peer-reviewed articles
- Producing rigorous empirical results, generating publication-quality images and text, and leading the development of peer-reviewed publications for high quality journals.
- Performing CRISPR experiments to evaluate the impact of genomic and transcriptomic changes
- Presenting research methods and results at national and international conferences

ABOUT YOU
- PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or a related field
- Experience in iPSC differentiation protocols and/or neuroscience
- Demonstrated expertise or keen interest in RNA biology
- Proficiency in advanced molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, mutagenesis)
- First-author publication(s) in high impact journals
- Track-record in CRISPR technologies.
- Have previous experience analysing genomics data.
- Ability to rapidly learn new skills.
- Experience in drafting and finalising scientific manuscripts.
- Experience supervising students and/or junior staff.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary setting

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