Research Officer

Salary range from $97,081.44 (R3.1) to $122,050.01 (R5.1) or competitive salary commensurate with experience + superannuation + generous salary packaging optionsFull time, 1 Year Contract with potential opportunity to extendMelbourne About the Baker Institute Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute is an independent, internationally renowned medical research facility. Our work extends from the laboratory to wide-scale community studies with a focus on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
About the Role We are seeking a motivated Research Officer/Postdoctoral Researcher to join our Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology lab.
Both the Atherothrombosis & Vascular Biology Laboratory and the Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Laboratory pursue a broad range of projects with the common focus of improving diagnosis and therapy of thrombotic and inflammatory diseases such as myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. A range of biotechnological methods are used, including recombinant protein design/production, cell culture, flow cytometry, generation of functionalised nanoparticles/liposomes/microbubbles, flow chamber, intravital microscopy, ultrasound, MRI, PET, various fluorescence imaging systems and various animal models of thrombosis, atherosclerosis and inflammation. All of these projects have a strong translational orientation, which is facilitated by several laboratory members (physicians, haematologists, cardiologists) treating patients with haematological and cardiovascular diseases. Several of these research projects resulted in patents that are currently being developed further to ultimately improve the health of patients.
Key Duties In this role you will be expected to: Participate in the design, execution and management of translational research projectsApply broad and innovative approaches and use previous experience towards the resolution of problemsPerform literature and manuscript reviews relevant to the respective research areaPrepare research papers and manuscripts for publication and presentation at conferences and workshops, and actively participate in the writing of project reports, grants and other documentsCoordinate the conduct of experimental tests and procedures as well as the acquisition and critical analysis of research dataDevelop new and/or revise current research methodologies, experimental designs and analytical methodsCoordinate and supervise the work of laboratory/research assistants, students and other support personnel, including supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours, Masters, MD, and PhD) projectsAssure compliance with occupational and safety programsPublication and quality-focused researchDevelopment of novel diagnostic and therapeutic technologies (including patent-relevant work)  Skills and Experience A PhD is essential, preferably within the fields of biotechnology and/or pharmacology.Understanding of research areas related to mRNA therapeutics, nanotechnology, pharmacology and cardiovascular diseases, such as inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure and other cardiometabolic diseases.Immunological and/or platelet function background with an understanding of research areas related to mRNA therapeutics and pharmacology preferredStrong track record with proven ability to obtain funding and publish manuscripts.Robust skills in grant and manuscript writing, and experience with ethics applications and processes.Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and foster the development of students.Confidence in performing a diverse range of laboratory techniques, ranging from molecular biology and biotechnological methods to pre-clinical and translational science, and the ability to do so autonomously, as well as performing as part of a team. Previous work in inflammation, atherosclerosis, and/or immunological research and experience in molecular biology, design, and production of mRNA therapeutics.Microscopy including widefield, confocal, and potentially intravital and multiphoton microscopes.Flow cytometric analysis of human and mouse cells as well as tissue samples.Experience in cell culture.Understanding of Bionanotechnology, particularly nanoparticle design, production, and characterisation. Experience with preclinical mouse models such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, myocardial infarction, inflammation, heart failure, and other cardiometabolic diseases.Histology, including histochemical stains and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence.A high level of interpersonal skills, which enable 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 at the same time, working with constantly changing deadlines and priorities, without compromising close attention to detail and accuracy. Benefits Working at the Baker Institute offers generous salary packaging, an employee assistance program, staff gym, and an active social club as well as modern offices and laboratories adjacent to the Alfred Hospital and within walking distance to St Kilda Road, Chapel Street, and Fawkner Park.
Remuneration will be commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. 
How to Apply To apply for the position please submit your application via SEEK quoting reference KP02.  Applications should include a current resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria, desired skills and experience and highlight relevant qualifications, special expertise for this role and interest in the position. 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 from you.  For a position description or further information, please visit our website at: https://www.baker.edu.au/career
To be eligible to apply for this position you must have an appropriate working right for Australia and you must be immunised with the COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Directions (No 4) and the influenza vaccination [for workers in clinical environments] in accordance with Mandatory vaccination of health care workers (influenza vaccine) directions – Health services establishments.
We will close this job ad as soon as we have enough applicants, so please apply without delay. The Baker Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for roles within the Institute. We value diversity, inclusivity, and gender equity and we promote family-friendly practices. We are a proud recipient of an inaugural Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE).
Contact Details Idan Ben-Barak 
Executive Assistant/Research Administration Officer 
Office of the Deputy Director, Prof Karlheinz Peter (Discovery & Preclinical, and Systems Biology)
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Email: [email protected]