$76,787–$97,081 + 11.5% superannuation + generous salary packaging optionsFull-time, 1 year contract with potential opportunity to extendBased in Prahran, MelbourneThe opportunityWe are seeking a motivated Research Assistant with experience in research areas related to cardiovascular diseases, mRNA therapeutics, and pharmacology to join our Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology lab.The Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology, and Molecular Imaging and Theranostics laboratories pursue a broad range of projects that focus on improving diagnosis and therapy of thrombotic and inflammatory diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and atherosclerosis. A range of biotechnological methods are used, including cell culture, flow cytometry, recombinant protein design/production, mRNA therapeutics, generation of functionalised nanoparticles/liposomes, flow chamber, intravital microscopy, ultrasound, MRI, various fluorescence imaging systems, and various animal models of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, inflammation, stroke, and myocardial infarction.All of these projects have a strong translational orientation, facilitated by several laboratory members (physicians, haematologists, cardiologists) treating patients with haematological and cardiovascular diseases. Several of these research projects resulted in patents currently being developed further to ultimately improve the health of patients.In this role you will be expected to:Perform and assist with preclinical models, particularly tissue collection followed by cell isolation and preparation for surgical procedures.Perform histological and immunohistological tissue preparation, staining, microscopy, as well as critical data analyses.Production of mRNA therapeutics including liponanoparticle production.Perform biological, cell biological, and molecular techniques, particularly flow cytometry, immunoblotting, ELISA, and RT-PCR.Responsible for laboratory maintenance and administrative functions in the context of lab organisation and research documentation.Coordinate, train, and aid other group members in developing improved techniques or procedures.Prepare materials for reports to be written by grant principals and staff on the research project.Record and consolidate research data.Contribute to the production of conference and seminar papers and publications from research.Provide guidance to students in lab work.Assure compliance with quality and safety programs.Skills and experienceYou will have:Previous experience working as a Research Assistant with a proven ability in performing a diverse range of laboratory techniques, ranging from biotechnological methods to preclinical and translational science.Relevant Undergraduate degree, Graduate Diploma, or equivalent research experience, preferably within the fields of biotechnology and/or pharmacology.Understanding of research areas related to mRNA therapeutics, nanotechnology, molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, and cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, and other thromboinflammatory conditions.Microscopy imaging experience including widefield, confocal, intravital, and multiphoton microscopes.Animal handling skills and experience with preclinical mouse models such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and other cardiac diseases.A high level of interpersonal skills, enabling the appointee to liaise effectively with a wide range of people at varied levels internally and externally to the institute.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Demonstrated ability to be a proactive team member and contribute to team development.Excellent planning and organisational skills, including the ability and flexibility to multi-task and coordinate several complex research projects simultaneously, working with constantly changing deadlines and priorities, without compromising close attention to detail and accuracy.Working at the Baker Institute offers flexibility, professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to a research centre of world renown. Benefits include generous salary packaging, an employee assistance program, as well as modern offices and laboratories adjacent to the Alfred Hospital and walking distance to St Kilda Road, Chapel Street, and Fawkner Park.Applications should include a current resume with details of 2 professional referees, quoting KP01. We are reviewing applications as they are received, so if you think you're the right person for this role, we'd love to hear how your capabilities, achievements, and experience set you apart.To be eligible to apply for this position, you must hold appropriate Australian work rights and be immunised with the COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Directions (No 4) and a current influenza vaccination (for workers in clinical environments) in accordance with mandatory vaccination of health care workers directions. More details of the role can be found in the position description; for further information please contact the person listed below.At the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, we are committed to creating a workplace that encourages diversity, inclusiveness, and equal employment opportunity for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.We will close this job ad as soon as we have enough applicants, so please apply without delay.We value gender equality and diversity and are a proud recipient of an inaugural Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE).#J-18808-Ljbffr