Research Officer

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 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

Applications are invited for a Research Officer positions (postdoctoral researchers) in the Translational Vectorology Research Unit (TVRU) under the direct mentorship of Professor Lisowski. Up to two positions may be available. The newly established project relates to the development of AAV-based gene therapy for a rare neurodevelopmental paediatric disorder. In addition to the development of the therapeutic construct and translational strategy, the research officer(s) joining this project will also lead development and characterisation of preclinical models of the disease, including patient-derived models. The project is philanthropically funded, and thus in addition to being involved in preparation of project reports, the successful candidate(s) will also present progress reports to the funding organisation, which may involve interacting with the families affected by the target disease. The successful candidate(s) will be 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.

We are looking for a Research Officer to join our team to:

• Manage multiple concurrent experiments and will also be involved in supervision and training of junior members of the research team, including students.
• Be responsible for 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.
• Get involved in design, cloning, production, purification and use of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV).
• To do maintenance and manipulation of a wide range of mammalian cell types (immortalized and pluripotent), primary human cells and tissues, cell differentiation and characterisation under BSL2/2+ conditions. Working with animal models may also be required.
• Do maintenance of the laboratory and preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare, independently or as part of a team, application to various research committees, including Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
• Involved in the preparation of presentations, scientific manuscripts and grant applications.

A rewarding role in every way

• Full time role – 37.5 hours per week. 12 months Fixed Term contract to begin with.
• 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?

• PhD and/or MD degree 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.
• Strong neuroscience background and those with direct experience related to design and cloning of mammalian expression cassettes and working with preclinical in vitro and in vivo models.
• Strong background working with viral vectors, especially adeno associated viral (AAV) vectors 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.
• Applications are encouraged from enthusiastic and motivated individuals with excellent technical ability and communication skills.
• Applications should include a cover letter in their application.

** Please apply through our application portal with the link provided- please note we will not be receiving applications through LinkedIn: **

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We kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. We will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

The Children's Medical Research Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing our people. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we embrace diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from those who identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.