Research Assistant

Cancer invasion and metastasis occur in a complex three-dimensional environment, with reciprocal feedback from the surrounding host tissue and stroma governing cancer cell behaviour. Understanding this behaviour in an intact host setting allows us to examine, in a more physiological context, the aberrant regulation of critical events that lead to dissemination and spread of the primary tumour. Intravital (in vivo) imaging is providing new insights on how cells behave in their native microenvironment thereby improving our understanding of disease progression.

In our laboratory we use novel state-of-the-art intravital imaging approaches and new fluorescent mouse models to uncouple the metastatic process into key stages to pinpoint critical events that drive tumour invasion and metastasis. Our approach permits real-time imaging ranging from whole body tumour progression to single-cell invasion events and helps us to understand how tumour cell (a) dissociation (b) invasion and/or (c) progression are controlled and how this is linked to the development of invasive or metastatic cancer.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Research Assistant will be responsible for planning and conducting experiments under supervision with the lab. The position will also assist with lab maintenance and upkeep of the lab supplies, equipment and procedure.

**Salary**: $81,200 - $91,100 (depending on experience) plus 14% superannuation and salary packaging
- Employment Type: 1 year term contract with opportunity to extend

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITSGenerous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)- Ample opportunities for on-going training and development- Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment- Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times- 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation- A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave- Discounted Health Insurance- Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Key areas of responsibility include:_Conducting experiments and other duties in a timely, efficient and diligent manner to assist in the overall project progressing expeditiously- Adopting published methods and interacting with scientists within and outside the Garvan- Involved in the appropriate databasing of results (the incumbent should maintain proficiency with computers)- Collating and recording experimental data accurately, writing up experimental procedures and contributing to the interpretation of experimental results- Making recommendations to the Laboratory Head and Post-doctoral Research Officers about ways of improving techniques, quantitative methods and quality control- Proactively and efficiently manage the administrative functions associated with lab management- Organise resource and equipment issues

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience include:
Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Science with First Class or equivalent related to studies which will have been undertaken in an area of science concerned with molecular biology, cellular biology, cancer biology and/or biochemistry- The willingness to do animal experimentation- The willingness to learn and use advanced technology including multiphoton microscopy, intravital imaging and advanced single-cell and subcellular microscopy techniques- High motivation and commitment to achieving scientific goals- Excellent time management and written skills- A high attention to details and ability to carry out high quality work- The ability to work independently after receipt of training and instruction-
- Competent computer skills and proficient in MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint- Strong commitment to quality.- Team-focused approach.- High degree of flexibility.- Ability to take direction well.- Showing ability to time manage.- Appropriate prioritisation of workload.- Good communication skills.- Comfortable with basic decision making.

ABOUT GARVAN

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.

Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.
- We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.
- Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add_’,_ not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with g