Research Officer

From neuroscience and cancer biology to drug development, embryology and gene therapy; when joining the team at CMRI you will be surrounded by internationally recognised researchers who foster excellence in all of their staff. CMRI is part of the largest health and medical research precinct in Australia and also a member of the Westmead Research Hub. This membership allows our staff access to the vast array of technology, services, resources and expertise available nearby at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead Hospital and the Westmead Institute. Opportunities to join the team at CMRI are occasionally available in the areas of research, administration, fundraising, and laboratory support.
- Join a world-leading, independent medical research institute
- Contribute to the health of future generations/children through medical research
- Located in Westmead— Australia’s foremost biomedical research precinct

**Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) are looking for a Research Officer to join the Translational Vectorology Research Unit**.**

**Together we are making a difference for kids living with genetic disease.**

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the nation’s most highly regarded independent medical research centres. CMRI’s research programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and committed research and support staff. In a collaborative effort with the University of Sydney and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN), CMRI has built a world-leading gene therapy program, capturing the entire translational journey from idea to therapeutic reality, including clinical viral vector manufacturing facility.

Aligned with our growing efforts in the gene therapy space, in 2016 CMRI has established Translational Vectorology Research Unit (TVRU), which specializes in the development and validation of novel recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) and development and translation of individualised gene therapeutics for the treatment of rare paediatric genetic conditions.

TVRU benefits from direct leadership of A/Prof Lisowski, a world expert in the fields of vectorology and vector-based gene therapies. In addition to highly dedicated and motivated researchers, our achievements are made possible by a loyal network of community supporters, highly engaged donors and the very successful Jeans for Genes® fundraising campaign.

**Work with a team of dedicated professionals**

We are looking for a Research Officer (postdoctoral researchers) to join our team to:

- Preparation of project reports for philanthropic foundations, government agencies and commercial partners
- Responsible for working independently and as part of larger research unit and perform research in the area of AAV vectorology, genetic disorders and stem cell biology under PC2 conditions
- Manage multiple concurrent experiments and will also be involved in supervision and training of junior members of the research team
- Be responsible for performing, and/or supervising junior members of the team performing, a wide range of molecular biology assays including, but not limited to, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA purification, qPCR and ddPCR, blotting and sequencing, including NGS
- Involved in design, cloning, production, purification and use of recombinant and replication-competent viral vectors, such as adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) and lentiviral vectors (LVV)
- Maintenance and manipulation of a wide range of mammalian cell types (immortalized and pluripotent), cell differentiation and characterisation under BSL2/2+ conditions
- Working with and manipulate primary human cells and tissues
- Undertaking routine tasks related to the maintenance of the laboratory and preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs)

**A rewarding role in every way**
- Full time role - 37.5 hours per week
- Excellent not for profit tax benefits
- A flexible and supportive work environment where everyone’s contribution is highly valued

**What can you bring to this role?**
- Must hold a PhD and/or MD degree inclusive of course work in molecular biology or biotechnology and have hands-on experience in molecular cloning, DNA/RNA biology and cell culture
- Demonstrated the ability to work independently, manage multiple (sometimes competing) priorities and integrate multiple work initiatives into the overall facility goals, while meeting appropriate deadlines
- Experience related to design and cloning of mammalian expression cassettes, working with adeno associated viral (AAV) vectors and experience in gene editing and bioinformatics
- Strong background working with preclinical in vitro and in vivo models is desirable, but not required
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel are required

We kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approac