Research Assistant/research Officer

Work in Parkville, just a hop away from the CBD, Melbourne Zoo & Queen Victoria Markets
Attractive salary $91,721 - $111,704 per annum + super
12-month full time contract with Australia's largest child health research institute

Looking to transform child health worldwide in a unique way? Come join us in this exciting opportunity with teh Entric Disease Group at MCRI

What’s in it for you?

Maximise your pay through salary packaging including entertainment and novated leases
Enjoy flexible working options
Work in a supportive and energetic environment with our growing team
Discounted onsite parking for employees
On campus, we have a myriad of retail stores, cafes, restaurants along with a boutique hotel
We value our employees, which is why we offer a health and wellbeing program including free access to an Employee Assistance Program

**The opportunity**:
As a member of the Enteric Disease Group you will have the opportunity to be involved in a range of laboratory based activities and provide input and oversight to specific projects. The Enteric Diseases Group focuses on the study of infections of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular rotavirus. The Group is the Coordinating Centre for the Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Network that analyses stool samples from rotavirus positive diarrhea cases from across the country to assess changing rotavirus genotype patterns and monitor the effectiveness of the National rotavirus vaccination program. The WHO Collaborating Centre for Child Health and the WHO Rotavirus Regional Reference Laboratory reside within the Enteric Diseases Group and provides support to WHO for rotavirus detection and capacity development in the Western Pacific region. The Enteric Disease Group is home to the development of the RV3 rotavirus vaccine and assists in the analysis of clinical samples obtained during clinical trials and the support for commercial vaccine partners. The Enteric Diseases Group is also active in research to understand the barriers to oral rotavirus vaccines through studies of the gut microbiome, histo-blood group antigens and maternal antibodies.

The Enteric Diseases Group is also broadening skills and interests in other viral and bacterial pathogens and the development and implementation of new vaccines. The Group is currently contributing to the understanding of the role of wastewater surveillance for pandemic preparedness in Australia and internationally.

The Research Assistant/Research Officer will be involved conducting in-depth analysis of stool and serum samples using techniques such as ELISA and RT-PCR, as well as assessing immune responses when necessary. The role emphasizes strict adherence to laboratory standards and specific standard operating procedures, ensuring the quality of data and samples received for analysis and storage.

**Your responsibilities include**:
Conducting analysis of stool samples using ELISA and RT-PCR
Conducting analysis of serum samples for immune responses as required
Assisting and contributing to data generation for research and publications
Receiving and processing samples received for analysis and storage
Reporting results into a redcap database and generate reports

**About you**:
Degree/Honours qualification or relevant PhD/doctoral qualification in Science or related discipline
4+ years of expertise gained from a combination of experience and training in molecular biology techniques relevant to the Enteric Diseases Group
(Essential) RNA/DNA extraction, PCR, ELISA, and Sanger sequencing
(Highly desirable) Tissue culture, qPCR and next generation sequencing library preparations
Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets, database programs, statistics and word processing

Who we are

At Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, we share a powerful vision; to re-imagine the future of child health. We are the home to many life-changing scientific discoveries. We are renowned for our cutting-edge focus on early interventions, improved diagnosis, prevention, and development of potential cures. Our success is founded on a philosophy of collaboration through a multi-disciplinary approach to solving the toughest questions in child health. Murdoch Children’s is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, equity and respect that celebrates and values the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our people. We strive to foster a positive working environment that is underpinned by equal opportunity for all and consideration for the diverse voices of our people and the communities we serve. Murdoch Children’s is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and is a committed subscriber to Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and its principles.

**To be considered, applicants should submit**:
Cover letter
Resume
Responses to ‘selection criteria’ via the position description

All applicants, please be aware that in line with the Murdoch Children’s and VCGS COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all Murdoch Chi