Research Assistant

Join a world-leading, independent medical research institute
- Contribute to the health of future generations/children through medical research
- Located in Westmead— Australia’s foremost biomedical research precinct
- Together we are making a difference for kids living with genetic disease

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the nation’s most highly regarded independent medical research centres. CMRI’s research programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and committed research and support staff. In a collaborative effort with the University of Sydney and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN), CMRI has built a world-leading gene therapy program, capturing the entire translational journey from idea to therapeutic reality, including clinical viral vector manufacturing facility. Aligned with our growing efforts in the gene therapy space, in 2016 CMRI has established Translational Vectorology Research Unit (TVRU), which specializes in the development and validation of novel recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) and development and translation of individualised gene therapeutics for the treatment of rare paediatric genetic conditions. TVRU benefits from direct leadership of A/Prof. Lisowski, a world expert in the fields of vectorology and vector-based gene therapies. In addition to highly dedicated and motivated researchers, our achievements are made possible by a loyal network of community supporters, highly engaged donors and the very successful Jeans for Genes® fundraising campaign.

**Work with a team of dedicated professionals**

**Applications are invited for the position of Research Assistant (RA) in the Translational Vectorology Research Unit (TVRU)**:

- Involved in design, cloning, production, purification and use of recombinant and replication-competent viral vectors, such as adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) and lentiviral vectors (LVV)
- Maintenance and manipulation of a wide range of mammalian cell types (immortalized and pluripotent), cell differentiation and characterisation under BSL2/2+ conditions.
- Responsible for performing basic molecular biology and QA/QC assays, including but not limited to plasmid and genomic DNA purification, molecular cloning, and range of PCRs (PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, ddPCR ).
- Undertaking routine tasks related to the maintenance of the laboratory and preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

**A rewarding role in every way**
- Fulltime role - 37.5 hours per week
- Excellent not for profit tax benefits
- A flexible and supportive work environment where everyone’s contribution is highly valued.

**What can you bring to this role?**
- Hold a Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent
- Have 2+ years of experience in general molecular biology and mammalian tissue culture techniques.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and attention to details, as well as the ability/will to improve their professional knowledge (e.g. learning new protocols and techniques).
- Prior hands-on experience working with viral vectors, mammalian cell cultures and stem cell cultures.
- Experience working with animal models is a plus but is not required.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, is required.
- We kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. We will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes._

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $73,000.00 - $81,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Salary packaging

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person