Research Assistant/officer in Clinical Immunology

Summary

Full-Time, 2-Year Contract

At the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), we are committed to achieving innovative, ground-breaking health and medical research that fundamentally improves the quality of life for all people.

A unique and exciting opportunity now exists for an experienced Research Assistant/Officer to join SAHMRI supporting the Lynn Systems Immunology Group. This diverse role will work collaboratively with a team of established researchers to investigate how microbes (pathogenic and commensal) modulate the immune system in different contexts from infection (including COVID-19) and immunisation to cancer immunotherapy. The team’s research spans a broad range of preclinical models, human cohort studies and randomised controlled trials.

Applicants will ideally have experience working in clinical research, infectious diseases, microbiology, immunology or a closely related field. Experience coordinating and processing samples from clinical studies would be a distinct asset. Experience with a variety of laboratory and molecular biology techniques/assays (e.g. ELISA, RNA/DNA extractions; qPCR) is required.

About the role

Key responsibilities include:

- Collection and processing of samples (blood, stool, tissue) from clinical studies.
- Sampling tracking/ record keeping for clinical studies.
- Perform and optimise various assays as required (e.g. ELISA; DNA/RNA extraction; qPCR; biochemical assays).
- Assist in the smooth running of the lab (e.g. ordering, developing SOPs, maintaining inventories etc).
- Assist with data analysis.
- Assist with sample processing from related preclinical studies

About You
- Honours BSc or higher

Essential:

- Previous research experience in clinical research, microbiology, immunology or a closely related field.
- Understanding of the regulatory requirements for clinical research compliance.
- Has or is willing to obtain Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification.

Desirable:

- Previous experience processing human blood or other tissue samples.
- Experience managing and tracking samples using systems such as OpenSpecimen.
- Experience with a range of laboratory assays/techniques e.g. DNA and RNA extraction; ELISA, ELISPOT; qRT-PCR
- Experience managing preclinical mouse studies.
- Experience with basic microbiology techniques (preparing cultures, CFU counts, etc)
- Experience in flow cytometry.
- Knowledge of confidentiality and privacy laws and guidelines relevant to health and medical research.

Special Requirements
- Some out of hours work may be required on occasion, dependent on when clinical samples need to be processed.

As a not-for-profit organisation, SAHMRI employees can access salary packaging options up to $15,900. Salary packaging lets you pay for things like the everyday costs of living with money from your salary before tax. This reduces your taxable income, meaning you could pay less tax and take home more of what you earn. For more information on salary packaging please see the Maxxia website.

For a copy of the position description, please click here.

Applications close: Tuesday 1st October 2024
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply_
- SAHMRI is a member of the Athena SWAN Science in Australia Gender Equity program. We have been awarded Bronze status for our commitment to advancing the careers of women, trans and gender diverse individuals in STEMM._

Equity & Diversity at SAHMRI

At SAHMRI, we live our commitment to equity and diversity every day: respecting people as individuals and valuing differences to create a working environment that is fair and flexible, promotes personal and professional growth and benefits from the capabilities of a diverse workforce.