Research Assistant - Bowtell Laboratory

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: ****** Applications Close: Sunday, 8th December 2024 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 Competently carries out experiments that fulfil the aims of the projects Excellent technical skills and eye for detail Accurate analysis and interpretation of experimental results Willingness to learn and follow instructions Ability to work independently and identify areas where extra assistance is required Regular attendance at group and program meetings Willingness to support other team members to facilitate ongoing research projects High level of integrity and ethics Complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner 2.
Communication of research outcomes Provide assistance in the writing and publishing of research papers Participation in discussions, laboratory and program meetings Ability to communicate effectively with others in the laboratory and Research division Excellent oral and written communication skills Excellent record-keeping of experiments and data 3.
Input into the administrative and management functions of the laboratory Contributes to discussions, laboratory and program meetings Supports basic laboratory functions including regular ordering of routine agents/supplies, monitoring of lab stocks and chemicals, and maintenance of cold storage Provides help and regular feedback to laboratory staff and students Contributes to research-based grant and fellowship reports or applications 4.
Foster a good working relationship with colleagues Good working relationships with others both within the laboratory and Peter Mac broadly Ability to work in a team Willingness to help others as required 5.Continuous Quality Improvement Infection Control: Adheres to the principles of Infection Control in accordance with Peter Mac policies and procedures.
Occupational Health & Safety: Takes all reasonable steps to ensure a safe environment.
Understands emergency procedures and location of emergency equipment Privacy: Adheres to the Peter Mac privacy policy 6.
Human Resource Management Human Resources: Takes all reasonable steps to prevent bullying, discrimination and harassment in the workplace Performance Development & Review: Participates in and/or conducts annual performance development and review Recruitment & Selection: Adheres to Peter Mac policy Performance Management: Adheres to Peter Mac policy ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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.