Research Assistant

**Job no**: 0058436
**Location**:Parkville
**Role type**: Part time (0.6 FTE); Fixed-term for 12 months
**Faculty**:Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
**Department/School**:Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences
**Salary**:Level A - $77,171 - $104,717 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

**About - Department of Anatomy and Physiology**
The Department of Anatomy and Physiology’s key research themes are neuroscience, metabolism and diabetes, muscle and cell biology. The goal of the combined department is to remain at the forefront of scientific research aimed at understanding the structure and function of the human body in health and disease, employing novel and imaginative research methods.

Our synergies in teaching extending beyond award programs to custom education programs focused on health professionals and industry.** **The former Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience had already initiated the **_Melbourne Academy of Surgical Anatomy_** in 2020, which has potential to be the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, underpinned by one of the largest donor programs in the country established to support the teaching and study of anatomy.

Our Department also hosts the Australian Phenomics Network Histopathology and Organ Pathology Service, providing detailed histological phenotyping and digital scanning of data from mutant mice. Our researchers are in the Triradiate Medical Building and the Melbourne Brain Centre, and has excellent research facilities, including confocal and live cell imaging microscopes, laser capture dissection, tissue culture, histology, flow cytometry, electrophysiology and molecular biology_._

**About the Role**
The project is focused on using zebrafish and killifish models to study the mechanisms regulating muscle development, growth, regeneration and disease, including ageing.

Responsibilities include:

- The capacity to maintain accurate and detailed laboratory and procedural (ethics, gene technology, OH&S) records and to develop outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Independently perform research/experiments related to muscle and muscle stem cell biology including but not limited to techniques such as zebrafish and killifish husbandry, microinjection embryonic/adult fish dissections, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridisation, imaging, western blotting, histology and molecular biology (PCR, qPCR, cloning) under the direction and approval of the group leader.
- Perform data analysis and interpretation.
- Maintain records of animal strains, materials, and budget and subsequent generation of reports.
- Assist with administrative duties such as ordering of supplies, waste disposal, and maintenance of equipment and materials.

**About You**
You possess strong organisational skills and accurately record and analyse data generated from research undertaken. You have the demonstrated ability to work as a member of a research team and interact in a courteous and effective manner with academic, administrative and support staff..

You will also have:

- Completion of a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science degree with Honours/Masters in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology or a related discipline.
- Experience working with fish models (including handling, breeding and/or microinjection) and conducting fish based research experiments using techniques such as immunofluorescence, in situ hybridisation, tissue dissection, sectioning (vibratome, cryosectioning), molecular biology (PCR, qPCR, cloning), histology and/or imaging.
- The capacity to maintain accurate and detailed laboratory and procedural (ethics, gene technology, OH&S) records and to develop outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

**Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia.**

**About the University**
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

**Benefits of Working with Us**
In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

- Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
- Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
- Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs