Research Officer

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity is now available for a Research Officer to join the Arbovirus Research Group at Burnet! This position will conduct research projects including development and analyses of Wolbachia-based biocontrol methods. The incumbent will undertake experiments (both individually and as part of a team), analyse data, and report findings to other researchers both at the institute and at external conferences where appropriate.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and undertake a range of research and support tasks including administering experiments, data collection, input and analysis, in pursuit of defined projects and objectives.
• Keep abreast of developments, activities and protocols in areas of expertise through liaison with staff and peers, reading relevant literature and attending meetings and seminars.
• Prepare reports and other documentation, including undertaking literature reviews and data analysis.
• Participate in and implement continuous improvement activities relating to project, research or technical procedures and quality assurance standards.
• Provide advice and mentoring to junior staff and students in the relevant field of research or technical expertise.

Refer to the attached position description for full details. This is a full time position, initially for a two period with possibility of extension. Flexibility to manage your own working hours will also be provided.

Let’s talk about you

The following criteria are essential requirements:

• A PhD in Microbiology or Immunology
• Demonstrated expertise in establishing and maintaining insect cell lines stably infected with the bacterium Wolbachia
• Experience with characterizing bacterial effector proteins
• Experience with growing and titering flaviviruses
• Experience with rearing mosquitoes and performing mosquito-virus infections
• Expertise with general molecular biology techniques, especially RNA extractions, qPCR/RT-qPCR, confocal microscopy
• A high level of computer literacy, including sound analytical, technical and data analysis skills
• Experience in preparing and publishing high quality, peer reviewed manuscripts
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting research at international
• conferences, and preparation of formal written documents such as risk assessments and SOPs
• Ability to work as an effective member of a team as well as independently under general supervision

The Burnet experience…

We want you to have a successful and meaningful career at Burnet and are committed to providing a supportive workplace environment for all our people. You will be part of a collaborative culture where progressive leadership, innovation, respect, and excellence are valued. Join a team of talented individuals who are passionate about what they do – achieving a more equitable world through better health.

We offer:

• A monthly accrued day off for full-time staff
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous salary packaging
• Opportunities for career and professional development

Who are we?

Burnet Institute is a leading Australian, unaligned, not-for-profit, organisation passionate about social justice, equality and evidence-based research.

Burnet Institute brings together a highly diverse skill base, with more than 400 staff and students working across cutting-edge research and projects to address some of the most relevant global health issues.  Institute-wide interdisciplinary health programs Disease Elimination, Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness, and Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health are at the heart of our daily decision making. Harnessing our international and local field presence, our laboratories, and our mixed development and research cultures drives a greater focus on the most relevant health issues and achieves a greater impact as a result.

Whilst our headquarters is in Melbourne, Australia, we also have offices in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar, and are actively involved in research and public health programs throughout Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. Burnet is the only unaligned organisation in Australia that has dual accreditation with both the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Bring your whole self to work

At Burnet, we foster a diverse and inclusive culture. We want our people to feel like they belong and are free to be themselves at work. We have an active Gender Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI) Council that works to promote and improve gender equity, diversity and inclusion across the Institute, by developing and implementing strategies informed by both national and international best practice and staff input. Burnet holds an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award from Science in Gender Equity (SAGE). If you have a reasonable adjustment, support, or access requirement at any stage of the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know by emailing careers@burnet.edu.au.  

Sounds great! How do I apply?

Apply below and attach the following documents:

• Statement addressing the selection criteria (as outlined above and in the attached position description)
• Resume

https://aurecruitment.actionhrm.com/myrecruit/newApplicationWizard.htm?pc=m3L-n0_mmu2S4hjxnj7uwQxx  

Applications close at 11:59pm AEDT on 13 December 2023. Applications not including responses to the selection criteria will not be considered.

As part of our commitment to gender equity, we have included a question in the application process on gender. This will allow us to monitor and report on gender in relation to our recruitment process.

Burnet is a child safe organisation. The successful applicant will be required to apply for a National Police Check and/or Working with Children.