Research Assistant job from The Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney NSW, Australia

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world-leading clinicians and basic and translational researchers to break down barriers between traditional scientific disciplines and find solutions to disease.

The Swarbrick lab are global leaders in the application of cellular genomics to human cancer, to find new diagnostics and treatments for society’s most challenging cancers. We are a diverse multidisciplinary team of scientists and clinicians with a vision to change cancer medicine.
More information can be found at www.swarbricklab.com

The Opportunity

The research assistant will work as part of a team to discover and credential new drug targets for cancer. They will be trained in state-of-the-art spatial transcriptomics and its application to human cancer. They will also learn to use advanced models of human cancer, including organoids. They will be supervised by experienced and talented research assistants and postdocs in a fast-paced, friendly and supportive environment. This position will provide a strong platform for learning and career progression. We are open to Research Assistants from level 1 – 4.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

RA1 – RA2
Performs under supervision
An RA1- RA2 is accountable for conducting experiments within their Research Theme and key responsibilities include:

• Conduct experiments under supervision such as tissue culture and routine assays

• Record experimental procedures and results

• Regularly attend meetings with the wider Research Theme community as required

• Be involved in junior lab responsibilities such as:

• Store duties, wash-up and cleaning of shared rooms

• Stock control: monitoring and ordering consumables under supervision

• Media preparation

RA3 – RA4
Performs under guidance rather than constant supervision
An RA3 – RA4 is accountable under guidance for conducting experiments within their Lab. In addition to attaining previous level responsibilities RA1 – RA2, key responsibilities include:

• Assist with and perform more complex experiments, under guidance

• Assist with interpretation of experimental procedures and results

• Create and present reports on scientific findings under guidance

• Responsible for imparting knowledge in relation to specific skills or experimental expertise

• Regularly attend meetings with the wider Research Division community to discuss and review current and future technologies and experiments as assigned

• Make presentations of research progress to the Research Division as assigned

• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications and research proposals

Snap shot of benefits

• This is a 1 year full time fixed term contract with a salary of up to $78,985 + 14% + salary packaging depending on experience. There is a strong possibility for this role to extend.

• Generous salary packaging ($15,900 for general household expenses and $2,650 for meal/entertainment allowance on top of base salary)

• On going training and development

• Flexible work arrangements

• Additional day’s leave as Garvan Day

• Employee Assistance Program

• Discounted Health Insurance

• Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

About You

The key skills and experience include:

RA1 – RA2

• RA 1 - Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours);

• RA 2 – Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (1st Class Honours);

• Competent computer skills (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)

RA3 – RA4

• Bachelors’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours)

• Competent computer skills (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail;

• Specific technical expertise relating to position or field of study

• Competent report writing and presentation skills;

• Appointment at this level would normally require at least 3 years’ experience within a lab, however this alone is not sufficient.

Research Assistants within the Garvan are expected to possess the following attributes as shown below:

RA1 – RA2

• Strong commitment to quality.

• Team-focused approach.

• High degree of flexibility.

• Appropriate prioritisation of workload.

RA3 – RA4

• Ability to act under guidance rather than constant supervision.

• Displaying innovative and proactive abilities.

• Developing intellectual understanding of current research field.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. 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.

Job Type: Full-time