"Research Assistant (Level 5)"

Job Description:

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) has an international reputation in biotechnology, molecular and cellular biology, and microbiology, including proteomics and genomics, gene regulation, metabolism, environmental microbiology and infectious diseases. BABS teaches approximately 2,000 full-time equivalent students, and has 34 academics, 28 postdoctoral research associates or fellows, approximately 20 other research staff, 152 higher degree research students, 12 technical officers and 4 administrative staff. The School’s yearly operational budget is approximately $11M, with available research funds of approximately $9 million annually.

The Research Assistant (Level 5) provides technical and research assistance to the research team of the Grey Laboratory. The Grey lab’s research focus includes investigating how human genetic variation in inflammatory regulatory genes impacts health and disease susceptibility and then using this knowledge to develop unique therapeutic approaches based on gene therapy. The studies for this project will include activities with a fundamental biology outlook but also translational studies.

The position will work in the Grey lab within a team environment, responsible for writing reports, reporting project progress to Dr Grey, attending laboratory meetings and School seminars.

About the role

• Level 5 ($88k - $100k) plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to the Professor Shane Grey and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Assisting in the preparation of cell culture of human cell lines and human primary tissues.
• Preparation of cell samples for DNA and RNA sequencing and analysis.
• Establish and run reporter assays.
• Use viral vectors to transduce target cells.
• Prepare and contribute to the production of technical reports and keep research logbooks.
• Attend laboratory meetings and other research symposia as appropriate and directed.
• Attend research meetings and training sessions and take minutes.
• Respond to stakeholder and collaborator enquiries relating to the research project
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
• Cooperate with all health and safety policy and procedures of the University and take all reasonable care to ensure your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself and others.

About the successful applicant (Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A university degree in cellular & molecular biology or related discipline, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training or experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting and contributing to projects and initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing samples for genome and mRNA sequencing studies (Desirable)
• Demonstrated experience in reporter assays, transient transfection assays, and/or experience in the use of viral vectors (Desirable)
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• Demonstrated experience providing effective customer service and support to clients at all levels.
• Demonstrated computing skills including word processing (MS word), spreadsheets (MS Excel), and statistical analysis packages
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.