Research Assistant

Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading scientists and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to advance our understanding of disease, particularly cancer, autoimmunity and genetic disorders. Garvan is a global leader in fundamental biomedical research and its translation. Our mission is to make discoveries that will improve health for all.

The Immunogenomics Lab at Garvan studies contribution of genes to the development of autoimmune, inflammatory and immunodeficiency diseases, as well as immune response to cancer. The lab utilises combinations of cellular and genomic sequencing technologies to investigate immune regulation in humans and mouse models. There is a focus on the role of somatic mutations in the development of self-reactive immune clones, as well as identifying key molecular targets to develop into clinical trials to treat autoimmune diseases.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Research Assistant, Level 3 to 6, is accountable for conducting experiments within their Research Platform.

The role will work within the Immunogenomics Lab, including on collaborative projects with other groups at Garvan. The role has been created to conduct experimental work related to two core interests of the lab: analysis of autoimmune patient samples, and employing in-vitro and animal models to test molecular targets in abrogating autoimmune inflammation.

**Salary**: Up to $99,000 + 14% superannuation + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 3-year fixed-term contract

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITSGenerous 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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities include:
- Perform experimental work and analyse data related to the projects- Assist in the design of experiments under the guidance of senior researchers- Assist with animal handling, including medication treatment of mice, in accordance with protocols and ethics guidelines- Accurate record keeping of experimental procedures, results and interpretation in a lab book- Work under the supervision of the lab manager and senior researchers to maintain and order lab consumables, prepare buffers, media and reagents- Ensure the maintenance of lab and Garvan equipment- Work with other lab members to ensure lab cleanliness and organisation- Participate in and present at lab meeting

RA3 - RA4
- Performs under guidance rather than constant supervision
- An RA3 - RA4 is accountable under guidance for conducting experiments within their Research Platform. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 - RA2, key responsibilities include:
- Assist with and perform more complex experiments, under guidance- Assist with interpretation of experimental procedures and results- Create and present reports on scientific findings under guidance- Responsible for imparting knowledge in relation to specific skills or experimental expertise- Regularly attend meetings with the wider Research Platform community to discuss and review current and future technologies and experiments as assigned- Carry out own experiments, according to the project aims as set out by supervisor, ensuring the quality of research is consistent and reliable- Assist new members of the Research Platform within the laboratory- Make presentations of research progress to the Research Platform as assignedRA5 - RA6
- Performs in a reporting framework
- An RA5 - RA6 will work in a collaborative environment when conducting experiments within their Research Platform. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 - RA4, key responsibilities include:
- Design and manage own experiments and report and discuss findings back to supervisor- Regularly attend extra seminar meetings and conferences- Contribute towards research projects through to joint authorship of abstracts and publications in journals specific to field- Develop research-related material for the benefit of scholars with appropriate guidance from senior staff, and assist in the design and/or the operation of specialised laboratory and technical equipment or the conduct of advanced research procedures;- Proactively and efficiently manage the administrative functions associated with lab management- Organise resource and equipment issues

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience include:
Flow cytometry and FACS sorting- In-vitro cell culture- ELISA- DNA/RNA e