Research Assistant, Protein Expression

The Biologics Platform is a translational hub that supports the discovery and development of novel therapeutic proteins, including antibodies, fusion proteins, and engineered cytokines. This position will support Garvan’s internal and collaborative efforts to advance innovative biologic medicines.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Research Assistant (RA3-RA4) - Protein Expression will be responsible for executing molecular biology and protein production workflows to support discovery and translational projects across immunology, oncology, and rare disease. The role involves conducting experiments with increasing independence, including molecular cloning, protein expression in mammalian and bacterial systems, purification via FPLC, and analytical characterisation.

Salary: Up to $87,000 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 2 year fixed-term contract with possibility to extend

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

The key responsibilities include:
- Perform protein expression in HEK293, CHO, and E. coli systems.- Execute standard molecular biology techniques including DNA preparation and cloning.- Purify recombinant proteins using affinity, ion exchange (IEX), and size-exclusion (SEC) chromatography via FPLC systems (e.g. ÄKTA).- Support analytical characterisation of proteins (SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, concentration assays).- Maintain detailed laboratory records and contribute to internal reporting and data presentations.- Assist in interpreting results and troubleshooting experimental issues.- Collaborate within the Biologics Platform and with Garvan project teams to meet research milestones.- Assist with lab maintenance, ordering, and equipment upkeep.

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience of a Research Officer include:
- Bachelor’s degree in science (biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field), ideally with Honours.- Minimum 2 years’ laboratory experience (including Honours) in molecular biology or protein biochemistry.- Hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression in HEK293, CHO, or E. coli systems.- Familiarity with construct design and cloning techniques.- Practical knowledge of protein purification (FPLC/ÄKTA, affinity/SEC/IEX).- High level of accuracy, strong attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols.- Ability to perform and analyse experiments under guidance with increasing independence.- Competent in scientific reporting, record-keeping, and using software such as Prism, Excel, and PowerPoint.- Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to work in a team environment.

ABOUT GARVAN

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 great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively._

HOW TO APPLY