Research Assistant: Centre for Heart Research

**Introduction**:
WIMR is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes located at the heart of the Westmead Health Precinct, designated as the lighthouse precinct for Biomedical technology by the NSW Government. WIMR is an independent medical research institute governed by a Board. It is a multi-disciplinary institute with research across key themes being:

- Infection and Immunity
- Cancer
- Liver and Metabolic
- Neuroscience and Vision
- Cardiorespiratory

Closely affiliated with the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, the Institute’s research extends from the laboratory to the patient using the basic tools of molecular and cell biology, genetic epidemiology, imaging technology and clinical research.

Biomedical research in the Institute extends into clinical research programs across a wide range of disciplines which may interface with the many clinical trials in progress at any one time. This “bench to bedside” approach enables greater translation of research from biomedical discovery to the development of new prevention strategies, diagnostics and more effective treatments.

**Description**:
Working closely with Co-Centre Director (A/Prof James Chong), the Research Assistant will assist with experiments investigating heart regeneration. This will include but is not limited to the use of various stem cell populations and other regenerative medicine tools. The role will play an integral part in leading the Cardiac Regeneration laboratory’s push towards clinical translation. The broad goals of this program are to translate basic science from the cardiac regenerative field into therapeutic options for patients with heart failure. The Cardiac Regeneration laboratory is works closely with the Cardiac Gene Therapy laboratory and joint projects between the groups are common.

Reporting to the Co-Centre Director of the Centre for Heart Research, the Research Assistant will work closely with key collaborators within the Westmead campus, across Sydney/Australia and internationally. This will provide opportunities to benefit from the rich and diverse scientific environment through our institute and established collaborations. At times this research group will involve graduate students, undergraduate students and research assistants. The successful applicant will be required to provide positive mentorship.

Major Responsibilities
- Perform procedures for stem cell isolation, propagation/culture and cryopreservation (experience with differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells to cardiomyocytes will be advantageous

Assist/perform animal handling/surgery. The group utilises both small and large animal models (experience with myocardial infarction models will be advantageous)
Assist with performance of cellular and molecular biology analysis
Maintain meticulous records for all experiments and laboratory work.
Assist with generation of publications, grants, ethics submissions and progress reports
Strive to obtain objectives and performance measures set for the role. Participate positively in performance and development reviews.
Comply with WIMR policies and promote an environment that upholds the WIMR Code of Conduct

**Skills and Experiences**:
**To be successful in this role you should have the following**:
Experience

Relevant undergraduate degree (e.g. BSc)
Experience with cell culture (adult and pluripotent stem cell experience would be advantageous).
Experience with various histological and molecular techniques.

Skills/Knowledge

Cell culture, flow-cytometry/cell sorting, animal surgery, molecular biology, histology/immunohistochemistry including confocal immunofluoresence.

Behaviours/Attributes

Intellectually curious
Team oriented
Willing to learn
Strong writing skills

Why Should you work with WIMR?
- Be part of an organisation that has a strong foundation of encouraging curious, solution focused thinking and collaboration
- The incredible pride that comes with supporting a team who are literally striving to change the world and save lives
- Beautiful building incorporating professional cafe, bike storage facilities, showering facilities, world class equipment and facilities
- Hybrid work arrangements
- Close to public transport / on-site parking
- NFP ability to salary sacrifice for tax benefits
- Option for novated leasing
- Paid parental leave program
- Access to employee assistance program