Research Assistant - Bowtell Laboratory
MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000
At Peter Mac we aim to continuously improve cancer care, research and education across all cancers and for all people affected by cancer: changing lives, breaking new ground. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values, Excellence, Compassion and Innovation. Welcoming people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences is critical to fostering innovation, cultivating compassion, attracting and retaining top talent and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.
YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE
Research Assistant – Bowtell Lab: Cell & Molecular Biology
- 12-month fixed-term, full-time
- Onsite presence essential at 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
- Basic Salary Range: $81,196.96 - $113,262.24 AUD
- Advertising from: Friday, 22nd November to Sunday, 8th December 2024
We are seeking a highly talented and self-motivated research assistant to join a cross-disciplinary initiative funded by national and international grants, investigating the genomic and immune determinants of long-term survival in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Working with the Bowtell Lab and international collaborators, the candidate will apply advanced cell and molecular biology techniques to investigate the importance of tumour-infiltrating B cells in mounting effective immune responses to HGSC.
The role involves developing, optimising and implementing methods for identifying and characterising antigens of B cell-derived antibodies from long-term survivors. This includes CRISPR-mediated gene activation/inactivation screens, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, immunohistochemistry of clinical biospecimens, western blot, ELISA and functional assays. The role is fixed-term in the first instance with potential to extend.
The candidate should be highly skilled in various molecular and cell biology approaches. Importantly, the successful candidate will be capable of working in an independent manner within an existing team. A background in cancer research as well as experience in handling patient-derived biospecimens is highly desirable.
Applicants should provide a covering letter and resume, and must address the Essential requirements listed under Skills (Selection Criteria) in the Position Summary as a separate attachment.
For further information about this opportunity, click 'Apply' to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position summary. Alternatively, please contact us using the information below for a confidential discussion.
Hiring Manager: Dr Dale Garsed
Email: Dale.Garsed@petermac.org
Applications Close: Sunday, 8th December 2024
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Position Summary
The Bowtell Laboratory is a leading Australian human cancer genomics group and a major contributor to ovarian cancer research internationally. This role will help facilitate experiments directly related to a number of exciting investigator-initiated research grants looking into the genomic and immune features associated with long-term survival in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Research Assistant who will play a critical role in facilitating research projects in the laboratory and carrying out a broad range of cellular and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, immunohistochemistry, image analysis, nucleic acid extraction/sequencing, PCR and in vitro growth assays.
The individual will work closely with researchers and clinicians within the Bowtell Laboratory and collaborate with other national and international teams to help facilitate joint initiatives. Exceptional communication, time management and attention to detail are a must. Technical precision whilst carrying out experiments is also critical.
Enterprise Agreement
Allied Health Professionals
Classification or Salary Range
Level A (1RA2 - 1RA10)
Immunisation Risk Category
Category A: Position involving direct patient contact, potential for exposure to blood, body fluid, human tissue specimens during course of a normal working day
Key Relationships
POSITION REPORTS TO
Direct: Professor David Bowtell, Dr Dale Garsed
Indirect: Professor Ben Hogan
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal:
- Supervisors: Professor David Bowtell, Dr Dale Garsed
- Members of the Bowtell Laboratory
- Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS) staff
- Other members of the Cancer Biology & Therapeutics Program
- Cluster 6 staff and students
- Research Core Facilities, including Molecular Genomics, the Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics and the Centre for Advanced Histology and Microscopy
- Cancer Research Division staff and students
- Other Peter Mac staff and students
External:
- Academic Collaborators
- Staff from other research institutes
- Suppliers
Skills
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential Requirements:
- BSc (Hons) or equivalent
- Experience with cell biology techniques including cell culture and conducting cell-based assays in vitro
- Experience with molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, immunohistochemistry
- Ability to work well in a team and independently
- High quality written and oral communication skills
- Flexibility and willingness to develop new skills
- High level organisational and time management skills
- Strong attention to detail and record keeping skills
Desirable Requirements
- Background in cancer research
- Background in immunology
- Experience with handling patient derived biospecimens
- An understanding of the ethical issues and government guidelines relating to the use of human tissue samples for research
- Experience with large scale, multidisciplinary research studies
- Basic knowledge of principles of data interpretation including statistical analysis
- Proficiency with software including Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism
Key Accountabilities
| Key Accountabilities | Demonstrated by / Key Performance Indicators |
| 1. Conducts rigorous, valid and ethical research both independently and as part of the laboratory team |
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| 2. Communication of research outcomes |
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| 3. Input into the administrative and management functions of the laboratory |
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| 4. Foster a good working relationship with colleagues |
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| 5.Continuous Quality Improvement |
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| 6. Human Resource Management |
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Peter Mac requires its staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this requirement.
WHY WORK FOR PETER MAC
- Peter Mac offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally.
- Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible work practices and policies and financial benefits such as salary packaging.
- We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.