Research Assistant: Centre for Immunology and

**Introduction**:
WIMR is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes located at the heart of the Westmead Health Precinct, designated as the lighthouse precinct for Biomedical technology by the NSW Government. WIMR is an independent medical research institute governed by a Board. It is a multi-disciplinary institute with research in:

- Infection and Immunity
- Cancer
- Liver and Metabolic
- Neuroscience and Vision
- Cardiorespiratory

Closely affiliated with the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, the Institute’s research extends from the laboratory to the patient using the basic tools of molecular and cell biology, genetic epidemiology, imaging technology and clinical research.

Biomedical research in the Institute extends into clinical research programs across a wide range of disciplines which may interface with the many clinical trials in progress at any one time. This “bench to bedside” approach enables greater translation of research from biomedical discovery to the development of new prevention strategies, diagnostics and more effective treatments.

**Description**:
We are currently seeking a driven Research Assistant with experience in database management and basic laboratory skills to join the laboratory of A/Prof Joanne Reed. You will play an integral role in facilitating the research conducted in Immunology under a combined clinical and research setting. Your role will be to support translational human Immunology research through the development of clinical registries, blood and tissue biobanks and assisting in wet lab experiments investigating various immunological diseases. These include, but are not limited to neuroinflammatory, autoimmune encephalitis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s syndrome, inflammatory lung disease and immunobullous diseases.

Major Responsibilities

Registries and databases

Assist with HREC ethics submissions, project amendments, progress reports and any other documents and policies related to Research HREC submissions
Assist with setting up and maintaining registries and databases eg.RedCaps or equivalent
Ensures that ethics guidelines, standards and WHS requirements are met and that research follows regulations

Biobanking and research

Be involved with research projects stemming from biobanks as needed, under broad guidance of the clinicians and scientists within the group, in collaboration with other senior research staff and immunopathologists in ICPMR. This may range from clinical sample (serum, PBMC and tissue) processing to performing routine assays eg ELISA, cytokine assays, flow cytometry, administering and collating questionnaires, populating databases, liaising with clinicians and patients to organise follow-up timepoint collections
Maintain diligent research study folders, electronically.
Maintain meticulous record-keeping and documentation for all clinical matters.
Communicate and build strong relationships with research scientists and clinicians.
Project management for research programs including project tracking, implementing and reporting.
Source information and prepare presentations when appropriate.
Prepares written report drafts to document progress against research milestones.
Attend regular clinical departmental research meetings.
Engage in laboratory administrative tasks such as ordering and stock take.
Engage in teaching/mentoring of students and junior staff in the laboratory.

**Skills and Experiences**:
**To be successful you will need to have the following**:
Experience

Strong communication skills (written & verbal), time management, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
BSc (Honours) or equivalent - At least 1 year FTE experience in a medical research laboratory
Basic laboratory skills with isolation of serum, plasma and PBMCs desirable.
Desktop reporting and database computing skills
Organisation of Research study documents (electronic and paper versions)
Ability to strictly follow HREC reporting procedures (verbally and written), if variation may occur.

Skills/Knowledge

Strong work ethic.
Sound knowledge of Good Clinical Practice with certification or commitment to acquiring this.
Be team oriented and willing to learn.
Can work independently.
Interested in clinical research.
Demonstrate ability to organise and prioritise work, sometimes under pressure, works with competing priorities.
Working understanding and current knowledge of relevant aspects of the Work Health and Safety Policy and relevant legislation (including Safe Laboratory Practices).
Understanding of research techniques and the ability to assist on clinical research projects under guidance and supervision

Behaviours/Attributes

Driven to pursue a career in medical research
High attention to detail
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Team player and collaborative
Demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with day to day operational matters