Research Officer - Children's Medical Research Institute - EducationCareer

First listed on: 22 November 2019

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the nation’s most highly regarded independent medical research centres. CMRI’s research programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and committed research and support staff. In a collaborative effort with the University of Sydney and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN), CMRI has built a world-leading gene therapy program, capturing the entire translational journey from idea to therapeutic reality. Aligned with our efforts in the gene therapy space, CMRI has established Australian first Vector and Genome Engineering Facility (VGEF) dedicated to distribution of gene therapy tools and reagents, and Translational Vectorology Group (TVG), which specializes in the development of novel bespoke viral vectors and genome engineering tools for gene therapy applications. Both laboratories benefit from direct leadership of Dr Lisowski, a world expert in vector-based gene therapy. In addition to highly dedicated and motivated researchers, our achievements are made possible by a loyal network of community supporters, highly engaged donors and the very successful Jeans for Genes® fundraising campaign.

Applications are invited for the position of the Research Officer in the Translational Vectorology Group (TVG). The successful applicant will be responsible for working independently and as part of larger research unit and perform research in the area of vectorology and genome engineering under PC2 conditions. The candidate will be expected to conduct independent research project as agreed from discussions with the Group Head. As part of his/her research project, the successful candidate will be responsible for performing a wide range of molecular biology assays including, but not limited to, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA purification, qPCR, blotting and sequencing. The candidate will also be directly involved in culturing and manipulating patient fibroblast cells, design cloning and application of currently available gene therapy and gene editing tools. In addition, the position involves undertaking routine tasks related to the maintenance of the laboratory and preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). The successful candidate will also be directly involved in the preparation of scientific reports and grant applications. This appointment is initially for a fixed term of 12 months, with continuing tenure subject to satisfactory performance, and the requirements of research projects in the Research Unit.

The successful candidate must hold a science degree inclusive of course work in molecular biology or biotechnology and have at least three years of relevant post-graduate research experience in molecular cloning, DNA/RNA biology and cell culture, or hold a PhD in molecular and cell biology or biochemistry. The candidate must have demonstrated the ability to work independently, manage multiple (sometimes competing) priorities and integrate multiple work initiatives into the overall facility goals, while meeting appropriate deadlines. Preference will be given to applicants with extensive experience in molecular cloning, production of molecular tools, such as gene therapy constructs for genetic modification of cultured cells (in vitro) and model organisms (in vivo), and strong working knowledge and hands on experience with various genome engineering tools. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel are required. Applications are encouraged from enthusiastic and motivated individuals with excellent technical ability and communication skills.

The successful applicant will be provided with a competitive remuneration package in accordance with qualifications and experience. Additional benefits include the provision of a Public Benevolent Institution salary packaging scheme and participation in an employer-contributed superannuation fund.

Applications should include a cover letter (citing PV1936), curriculum vitae and contact details (phone/email) of three professional referees and be forwarded to recruitment@cmri.org.au

Closing date for applications is 20th December 2019.