Research Assistant

As part of the Genomics-led drug development, and with generous and long-term support of EMBL Australia, the Neurotranscriptomics RNA biology lab (led by Dr. Robert Weatheritt) has launched an ambitious program to understand the phenotypic impact of RNA variation. Drawing upon core strengths of Garvan and Sydney’s state-of-the-art RNA environment, our focus is to use single cell CRISPR technology in combination with state-of-the-art high-throughput imaging technology (with Dr. Scott Berry) to understand, predict, treat and prevent disease. Our focus is understanding the role of RNA variation in complex diseases, and the links between changes in RNA function and cellular phenotypes of membraneless organelles.

THE OPPORTUNITY

An integral part of our program will be understanding the impact of RNA variation through scalable and cutting-edge functional genomic and cell biology assays. This will include the development and execution of single cell assays combining genome-wide CRISPR screens and high-throughput automated high-resolution microscopy. With the ultimate aim to identify potential therapeutic targets. We are seeking a highly motivated research assistant to support this work, under the supervision of Dr Robert Weatheritt, and in close collaboration with Dr. Scott Berry.

**Salary**: Up to $70,000 + 14% super + salary packaging

Employment Type: 1 year 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. location, start / finish times etc- 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- Supporting the development, execution, and analysis of functional genomics assays, including genome-wide CRISPR screens, single-cell RNA sequencing assays, and flow cytometry.- Helping to establish highly multiplexed imaging screens- Isolation of cells and nucleic acids for downstream processing, including preparation of libraries for genomic sequencing.- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures consistent with institutional best-practice guidelines.- Regularly attending, and contributing to, internal and external meetings.- General laboratory operations including monitoring and ordering consumables, and general lab maintenance.

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience include:
- A Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline with First Class Honours (or equivalent). Experience in single-cell genomics assays, microscopy and/or image analysis is a plus- Highly autonomous, organised, and self-motivated, with an ability to learn quickly and work independently under mínimal supervision.- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively document and present work both internally and externally and contribute to academic and technical documents.- Highly collaborative, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships within and between teams and engage in complex discussions remotely through the use of collaborative tools (eg. Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace, Airtable).- A problem-solving mentality, with an ability to navigate complex technical obstacles, and work effectively with other team members and colleagues to overcome them.

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