• Be an integral part of the team at the Children’s Cancer Research Unit at The Children’s Hospital, Westmead Clinical School
• Full time, fixed term 12-month appointment with potential of a further extension, subject to funding
• Base salary: $73Kp.a - $92Kp.a plus superannuation dependent on experience

Job Reference Number: 1664/0818F

About the opportunity 

The Children’s Cancer Research Unit is the research-dedicated arm of the Cancer Centre for Children, and combines the expertise of leaders in basic research, translational research and data science to increase our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of rare childhood and other cancers. Our research is facilitated by the provision of high quality clinical specimens through our world-class tumour bank, cutting edge laboratory research platforms and outstanding research expertise.

We are currently seeking either a Research Assistant or Senior Research Officer to join the Children’s Cancer Research Unit at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School. The position will be dependent on your previous level of experience and fit for the role.

The Research Assistant will work with Professor Jennifer Byrne (Children’s Cancer Research Unit/ University of Sydney), in close collaboration with Dr Cyril Labbé (Univ Grenoble Alpes, France). Professor Byrne and Dr Labbé have been awarded funding from the US Office of Research Integrity for a one-year research project titled: The Seek & Blastn tool as an experimental reagent fact-checker for biomedical research. The position will provide technical and operational support to the Chief Investigator and the team to support the research activity for the work area. This includes preparing relevant materials in collaboration with team members, performing fundamental aspects of research work, and facilitating the efficient operation of the research by providing essential technical and operational support.

In addition to the above as the Senior Research Officer you will provide deep technical knowledge and project management support to the Chief Investigator and collaborate with academics and research professionals to support the research requirements for the work area. This includes actively leading and contributing to research activities, designing research protocols, undertaking critical aspects of research work including formation of analysis and key findings. You will collate and record research data, draw insights and analyses, report information from the research undertaken and you may work with the Chief Investigator and/or Senior Academics to source grant funding. The role may also include oversight and responsibility for work carried out by students and teaching support where needed.

Please review both positions descriptions within the attached Candidate Information Package and specify if you are applying for the Research Assistant and/or Senior Research Officer position when completing your application.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Research Assistant who possesses:

• A Bachelor of Science with Honours. May also have (or be working towards) completing further studies such as PhD
• Research experience with or knowledge of molecular biology and/or genetics techniques that employ nucleotide sequence reagents.
• Research experience with or understanding of bioinformatics analysis of nucleotide sequences, in relation to the design of polymerase chain reaction and gene knock down experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to show initiative within a collaborative research environment, and to proactively drive the progress of a research project.
• Excellent verbal, written and web-based communication and record-keeping skills.
• Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to detail.

To be consider for the Senior Research Officer position, in addition to the above, you will also possess:

• Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision
• Demonstrated ability to lead the organisation and prioritisation of work within a team environment
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills across diverse stakeholders
• Track record in publishing in international peer-reviewed journals

About us

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School has numerous skilled researchers, including clinician researchers, many of whom are international leaders in their respective fields. Areas of research strength include the epidemiology of childhood disorders; genetics research encompassing morphologic, biochemical and molecular genetic investigation of disorders in children; vaccination; obesity; orthopaedic research; renal disease; diabetes; neuromuscular disorders; infectious diseases; adolescent health; cerebral palsy; indigenous health; and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This work is undertaken in partnership with Kids Research, the research arm of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. We also have close research links across the broad Westmead Precinct (with Westmead Hospital [an adult facility], the Westmead Institute of Medical Research and the Children’s Medical Research Institute), with other parts of the University of Sydney, and with many national and international collaborators. 

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

How to apply

For more information on the position and University, please view the candidate information pack available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number 1664/0818F to apply.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Closing Date: 11:30pm Monday 1st October 2018

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.