Research Officer

A/Prof Christine Chaffer, Head of the Cancer Cell Plasticity Laboratory and Director of the Cancer Plasticity and Dormancy Program, is conducting research into the mechanisms driving cancer metastasis and therapy-resistance. The laboratory uses in vitro and in vivo models of cancer, and places a strong emphasis on clinically focussed laboratory research in partnership with patients who donate their tissues for scientific discovery. A major focus of this work is to discover the mechanisms that enable cancer cells to transition into metastatic and therapy-resistant cell states, and to use that information to develop targeted therapeutic strategies to stop it. A therapeutic combination arising from their findings has entered clinical trial as the first state-gating therapy to treat, and prevent, therapy-resistant triple-negative breast cancer. This therapeutic approach has clinical potential across multiple cancer types.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Research Officer, Level 1 to 3, is accountable for conducting independent experiments within the Cancer Cell Plasticity Laboratory in a collaborative framework with their supervisor and as part of the overarching Cancer Plasticity and Dormancy Program. In principle, an RO conducts research work under guidance from a more senior scientist and they would be demonstrating increasing independence as they progress from RO1 to RO3.

Salary: Up to $92,300 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 2 year term contract with possibility to extend

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS- Generous 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

Performs under guidance

The RO will conduct original research under limited supervision, and be required to make contributions in the following areas:
- Completion of research projects in an efficient and timely manner, with outcomes published under joint authorship in peer-reviewed journals- Contribution to team research projects- Presentation of original research at national/ international scientific conferences, and at local and/or national seminars- Co-supervision and mentoring of students and junior research staff- Provision of supervisory assistance in preparation of research grant proposals, including contribution of data- Contribution to improvements in techniques, quantitative methods and quality control

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience of a Research Officer include:
- A PhD qualification, preferably in molecular biology, cell biology or biochemistry- Extensive experience with wet laboratory techniques is expected:
- protein/biochemical techniques, such as immunoprecipitation and western blotting-
- molecular biology techniques, such as qRT-PCR, sequencing, site-directed mutagenesis, transfection or gene knockdown, viral transduction-
- flow cytometry and cell sorting-
- ChIP-seq, single cell RNA-seq and CUT&RUN-
- in vitro cell culture of mammalian cell lines-
- animal handling for mouse model experiments-
- Demonstrate a capacity to work collaboratively with researchers across laboratories- Previous experience in computational tools or willingness to learn- High motivation and commitment to achieving scientific goals and producing manuscripts in a timely manner- Excellent time management and written communication skills-
- High quality publication record

ABOUT GARVAN

Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia's largest and most highly regarded MRI's.

Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.

We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.
- Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture 'add', not culture 'fit' and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively._

HOW TO APPLY