Scientific Technical Officer

Scientific Technical Officer position in Transplantation Immunology
- Opportunity to join a dynamic team with a track-record in the field
- Attractive salary packaging & superannuation options

**About QIMR Berghofer**:
QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Brain and Mental Health, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non-research staff.

**About The Transplantation Immunology Laboratory**:
Our research focuses on improving our understanding of the complications which often occur after stem cell transplantation, the gold-standard treatment for high-risk blood cancers. These complications are a major barrier to the success of this immunotherapy and include graft-versus-host disease, infection, prolonged immune cell dysfunction and relapse. We develop unique preclinical models and employ clinical samples together with cutting-edge technologies to unravel complex mechanisms to aid the discovery of new therapeutic targets or biomarkers of disease. The overarching aim of our research is to translate basic research findings into clinical practice with our vision to make this lifesaving, blood cancer treatment, safer and more effective. With strong links to the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, the opportunity for rapid clinical translation is highly feasible.

The Scientific Technical Officer will be required to work in a team environment and support research activities performed in the laboratory. This will predominantly involve managing a large animal colony of genetically modified mouse strains for research purposes, including breeding and genotyping/phenotyping mice. The role will require the individual to provide assistance with bone marrow/stem cell transplantation, animal dissection and sample collection.

**Role Purpose / Responsibilities**:
Applications are invited for a Scientific Technical Officer to join the Transplantation Immunology Laboratory. The following duties will apply:

- Responsible for the management (breeding and genotyping/phenotyping) of a large animal colony of genetically modified mouse strains for research purposes
- Provide assistance to laboratory staff/students performing experiments, including bone marrow/stem cell transplantation, dissection, cell isolation/sample collection from animal tissues
- Contribute to day-to-day laboratory operations, including stock/reagent ordering, shipment preparation, general laboratory maintenance
- Provide assistance with managing Animal Ethics, Safety and OGTR requirements and the ability to ensure those requirements are met
- Ensure work practices comply with the requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act, related legislative requirements and the Institute’s Work Health & Safety (WH&S) policies and procedures
- Model and promote research excellence and integrity, adhering to the highest quality and ethical standards

**About you**:
To be successful in this position you will need:
**Essential**
- Hold a relevant diploma/associate diploma tertiary qualification (or agreed equivalent) in animal handling and technology for scientific purposes, at a minimum. Applicants with a tertiary qualification in immunology are strongly encouraged to apply
- Knowledge of immunology and experience with animal models of immune diseases for research purposes
- High level experience with breeding, genotyping/phenotyping, animal handling and monitoring, drug administration (various routes) and tissue sampling; experience with PCR and flow cytometry
- Ability to work independently and effectively within a team; excellent written and verbal communication skills
- High level of analytical and problem-solving skills; high level of self-motivation and initiative
- Ability to maintain excellent, highly accurate and reliable scientific records
- Effective project management skills, including planning, resource allocation; strong organisational skills with ability to prioritise and manage multiple competing tasks and projects with specified time frames

**Desirable**
- Experience with aseptic tissue culture techniques, immunological assays and stem cell transplantation

**Closing Date**:29 November 2024

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

**What we offer**:

- Salary Packaging
- State of the art facilities
- Stimulating work setting focussed on cutting edge medical research
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Parental Leave provisions