Laboratory Research Assistant

**The Opportunity**

Join our Strep A Pathogenesis and Diagnostic team who is looking for a Laboratory Research Assistant to provide laboratory support to a range of research projects.

This team is embedded within the END-Rheumatic Heart Disease Program at The Kids Research Institute and together we have an ambitious goal to end RHD in Australia by 2031 through a comprehensive research program and bringing together community, researchers, practitioners & funders.

The Strep A Pathogenesis and Diagnostic team aims to understand key aspects of how Strep A causes different infections and diseases and uses this information to develop improved ways to diagnose, treat and prevent these infections and diseases. This new project will complement existing projects focused on the pathogenesis of Strep A throat infections, acute Rheumatic Fever, antibiotic resistance, development of point of care diagnostics and improved laboratory methods for detection and surveillance of Strep A colonisation.

You will also have the opportunity to be involved in:

- Assisting with the characterisation of interactions between microbes with epithelial cells.
- Perform limited troubleshooting and calibration of instruments.
- Contribute to research reports or papers.
- Operational running of the laboratory.
- Undertaking aseptic laboratory experiments using protocols under supervision.

This position will be based at The Kids Research Institute Australia in Perth where you will be working within our state-of-the art laboratory facilities. This role will be offered on a full-time basis for 12 months.

**About You**

This position would suit someone with a Bachelor of Science in a discipline relevant to Microbiology coupled with an understanding of microbiological culture techniques (e.g., broth and agar culture, handling microbial strain libraries) along with basic Cellular Biology knowledge and experience.

Additionally, it is preferable that you hold the following experience and skill set:

- Strong understanding of aseptic specimen handling.
- Experience in contributing to the experimental outputs of a laboratory.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative and work within a team.

**About Us**

Our aim is to create a workplace where people are respected and encouraged to fulfil their potential. We encourage a workforce that is innovative, eager to acquire knowledge and enhance skills; we embrace all employee differences, foster a culture that supports diversity and inclusion, and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations where required.

**Some of our staff benefits include**:

- Additional annual leave over Christmas and Easter.
- Save on tax and increase your take home pay by salary packaging up to $15,899 of Living Expenses and up to $2,650 on Entertainment Benefits each FBT year.
- World leader in child health research.
- Early and Mid-Career Researcher Mentoring Program.
- Various initiatives providing strategic support to researchers, including funding support.
- Extensive health and wellbeing program with weekly events.
- Flexible work options.
- Modern offices and end of trip facilities, including sit to stand desks.
- Access to Corporate Health Insurance.
- Staff purchasing discounts including travel, IT Hardware and stationery.

**How to apply**

**Your cover letter (no more than 2 pages) should specifically address your skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section above.**

**Contact Name**:Janessa Pickering

**Closing Date**:06/01/2025 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.