Research Assistant

**Job no**: 0055468
**Location**:Parkville
**Role type**:Full-time/ Fixed-term for 2 years
**Faculty**:Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
**Department/School**:Department of Microbiology and Immunology
**Salary**:Level A - $80,258 - $108,906 p.a. plus 17% super
- **Collaborate with leading experts in a renowned pathogen genomics research team and develop an academic research profile.**:

- **Exciting opportunity for an exceptional early career researcher to progress their career in the field of Pathogen Genomics.**:

- **Salary packaging, subsidised health** **and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families**

**About the Role**
This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to support a Eukaryotic Pathogen Genomics and Systems Biology program that is led by Professor Robin Gasser (Faculty of Science, Melbourne Veterinary School) and Professor Benjamin Howden (Department of Microbiology and Immunology) as part of the recently established Centre for Pathogen Genomics at the University of Melbourne. This program is focussed on understanding the biology and epidemiology of eukaryotic pathogens of humans including Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Blastocystis, Cyclospora and Enterocytozoon.

You will benefit from being embedded in a renowned pathogen genomics research team at The University of Melbourne that has ample expertise with molecular microbiology, genomic surveillance, bioinformatics, epidemiology and public health.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Undertake molecular-based surveillance of waterborne eukaryotic pathogens of humans.
- Develop diagnostic tests for infections or diseases caused by eukaryotic pathogens, and where relevant contribute to the implementation of testing into the MDU PHL testing scope.
- Contribute to the day-to-day running of both the Melbourne Veterinary School and MDU PHL laboratories.
- Contribute to the teaching and learning activities within the Centre for Pathogen Genomics.

**Who We Are Looking For**
You are a highly motivated individual who thrives in a team environment, demonstrating initiative and prioritisation skills to achieve project milestones. Your strong organisational skills and meticulous approach ensure accurate data recording and analysis.

You will also have:

- A Bachelor (Honours) or Master degree in science, microbiology, or related discipline.
- Strong background in parasitology and/or pathogen genomics.
- Experience with molecular microbiology techniques, including the processing and storage of human and non-human samples, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and the analyses of sequence data sets.
- Some experience with laboratory procedures using Illumina or Oxford Nanopore technologies.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

**Your New Team - Centre for Pathogen Genomics**
The Centre for Pathogen Genomics at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne is an academic and training hub that was established to foster new collaborative opportunities for translational research, genomics-informed infectious diseases surveillance, and capacity building and training across the Asia-Pacific region. The Centre is underpinned by a portfolio of world-leading experts across pathogen genomics, public health, surveillance, bioinformatics, research, and capacity building and training, with years of experience in using cutting-edge technologies to address infectious diseases of national and global importance. Our program of work is focused on four key themes: infectious diseases surveillance and response, antimicrobial resistance, One Health, and pandemic preparedness and response.

**What We Offer You**
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page

**About the University of Melbourne**
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The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

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