Research Assistant

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading researchers and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to improve human health. Our mission is to harness all the information encoded in our genome to better diagnose, treat, predict and prevent disease. From the individual patient with rare disease, to the many thousands affected by complex, widespread illness, we are pioneering discoveries across diseases that have the deepest impact on our community.

THE OPPORTUNITY

**Salary**: Up to $99,000 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 1 year term contract with possibility of extension

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS- Generous 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

RA3 - RA4

Performs under guidance rather than constant supervision

An RA3 - RA4 is accountable under guidance for conducting experiments within their Research Platform. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 - RA2, key responsibilities include:
- Assist with and perform more complex experiments, under guidance- Assist with interpretation of experimental procedures and results- Create and present reports on scientific findings under guidance- Responsible for imparting knowledge in relation to specific skills or experimental expertise- Regularly attend meetings with the wider Research Platform community to discuss and review current and future technologies and experiments as assigned- Carry out own experiments, according to the project aims as set out by supervisor, ensuring the quality of research is consistent and reliable- Assist new members of the Research Platform within the laboratory- Make presentations of research progress to the Research Platform as assignedRA5 - RA6

Performs in a reporting framework

An RA5 - RA6 will work in a collaborative environment when conducting experiments within their Research Platform. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 - RA4, key responsibilities include:
- Design and manage own experiments and report and discuss findings back to supervisor- Regularly attend extra seminar meetings and conferences- Contribute towards research projects through to joint authorship of abstracts and publications in journals specific to field- Develop research-related material for the benefit of scholars with appropriate guidance from senior staff, and assist in the design and/or the operation of specialised laboratory and technical equipment or the conduct of advanced research procedures;- Proactively and efficiently manage the administrative functions associated with lab management- Organise resource and equipment issues

RA7 - RA8

Performs in a collaborative framework

An RA7 - RA8 is accountable for conducting independent experiments within their Research Platform in a collaborative framework with their supervisor. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities, key responsibilities include:
- Design and manage own experiments in a creative but process-driven manner. Asks pertinent questions and considers the implications of the research being undertaken and considered ways to improve the experiments being undertaken.- Senior responsibilities consistent with managing a lab- Act as the point of knowledge for historical information about the operation of the laboratory- In line with the operating budget - stock control: monitoring and ordering consumables- Responsible for training new team members in line with laboratory protocols

Applies to all levels:
- Specific roles required for this position include:
- Assist with cell and tissue preparation for various next-generation sequencing analysis such as single cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics- Process human tissue and bloods from research participants- Extraction, QC and clean-up of nucleic acid from tissue and blood samples- Optimise and perform immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays on OCT and FFPE tissues (human and mouse)- Basic microscopy and slide imaging- Liaising with internal and external scientific service providers to prepare and submit samples- Meticulous sample tracking and cataloguing

ABOUT YOU- Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours)- Competent computer skills (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)- High level of accuracy and attention to detail;- Specific technical expertise relating to position or field of study;- Comp