Animal Research Assistant

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading researchers and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to improve human health. Our mission is to harness all the information encoded in our genome to better diagnose, treat, predict and prevent disease. From the individual patient with rare disease, to the many thousands affected by complex, widespread illness, we are pioneering discoveries across diseases that have the deepest impact on our community.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Animal Research Assistant is a research role and the primary function is to perform animal based experiments for medical research and to support other research staff in their animal research. This position adds value to the Garvan Institute by providing animal research expertise. Effective and breakthrough scientific outcomes ultimately result in further funding success for Garvan's ultimate goal in prevention and treatment of disease.

**Salary**: From $55k - $65k + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 1 year full time 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- Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

WHAT YOU WILL DO- Adhere to Garvan’s Animal Ethics Monitoring Standards- Assist in preparation of animal ethics reports, collection of and analysis of data, and preparation of research output.- Monitor animals and diligently report health or behavioural abnormalities to more senior animal care staff- Adhere to strict monitoring, welfare and husbandry procedures, checklists and ethical standards for the care of animals- Administrative responsibilities such as animal despatch, animal arrivals, data entry regarding breeding, welfare, etc.- Prepare and administer medication to animals.- Carry out techniques such as surgery, injections, oral gavage, bleeding, administration of anaesthesia, euthanasia and post mortems.- Routine use and maintenance of anaesthetic machine, tail tatting machine, balance, animal change station/biosafety cabinet, computer station and associated IT equipment- Actively communicate with and support ABR/BTF team members in order to maintain the welfare and ethical monitoring standards of the animals in your care- Maintain up to date skills and knowledge of ethical, monitoring policies, protocols and checklists- Participate in ongoing professional development and training- Attend and proactively participate in team meetings- Be available to participate in shifts and work rosters covering weekends and public holidays

ABOUT YOU

Key qualities for success;- Relevant University qualifications in animal technology or equivalent is preferred.- Possess a strong commitment to animal welfare and care- Experience in handling rodents- Basic knowledge of the husbandry, housing and breeding of lab animals- Possess basic manipulation skills (i.e. injection technique, euthanasia)- Excellent attention to detail and observational skills- Strong customer focus and commitment to quality- Good verbal and written communication skills- Reliability, patience and must be trustworthy- The ability to work individually or as a member of a group- Ability to organise own time - be able to schedule tasks using a work diary- A professional and caring approach- Ability and motivation to develop new skills and learn new procedures

ABOUT GARVAN

The 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