Research Assistant

**Role type**:Full Time; Fixed Term for 2 years
**Faculty**:Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
**Department/School**:Department of Anatomy and Physiology
**Salary**:$78,115 - $85,555 p.a. plus 17% super
- Gain hands-on experience with advanced techniques.
- Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

**The University of Melbourne**
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

**Your next career opportunity**
As a Research Assistant in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology, you'll play a crucial role in developing new pharmaceutical treatments for Parkinson's Disease-related constipation. You'll gain invaluable experience in advanced research techniques, including chemogenetic approaches and viral transfection. This role offers you the chance to directly impact patient outcomes while working in a collaborative, values-driven environment at the forefront of digestive physiology research.

**Your responsibilities will include**:

- Conduct Innovative Research: Perform viral tracing and transfection experiments in rodents, evaluate colo-rectal function, and contribute to Parkinson's Disease model development.
- Analyse and Report Findings: Contribute to data collection and analysis using specialised programs and assist in the preparation of research publications and conference presentations.
- Support Laboratory Operations: Participate in laboratory meetings, manage consumables and labware, and ensure compliance with safety protocols and ethical standards.
- Collaborate and Communicate: Work effectively within the research team and engage with the wider scientific community to advance the field of digestive physiology.

**You may be a great fit if**:
You are a dedicated and skilled researcher with a BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant field, possessing expertise in animal-based research and a strong commitment to advancing digestive physiology studies in a collaborative environment.

**You may also**:

- Have practical knowledge of using viral transcripts in small animal research.
- Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective research collaboration.
- Demonstrate strong analytical abilities and proficiency in data analysis techniques.
- Have experience in stereotaxic surgery, immunohistochemistry, histology, and microscopy (desirable).
- Be willing to work occasionally outside normal hours to complete crucial experiments.
- Hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

**What we offer you**
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

**Your new team - Department of Anatomy and Physiology**

**Be Yourself**
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

**Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants**
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

**Working at the University - what you need to know**:
**Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.**This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

**Join Us and unlock your career potential**
- **Resume**:

- **Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience**:

- **The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the )**

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the.

**Applications close**:12:01 AM on Friday 8 August Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.**:JR-001460_Research Assistant - Digestive Physiology_PD.pdf