Research Assistant - [Archived Advertisement]

UTS has a bold vision to be a world-leading university of technology. We are a dynamic and innovative university in central Sydney, consistently ranked the top young university in Australia. With a culturally diverse campus life and extensive international exchange and research programs, UTS prepares graduates for the workplaces of today and tomorrow. 

The UTS Centre for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Science is recruiting a Research Assistant to provide technical and research assistance in the Parkinson’s disease team within the Centre for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine

The Research Centre led by Professor Vissel pursues research in the neuroscience of cognition, movement and related neurological diseases. The centre is divided into various overlapping and complementary research streams, directed to high impact scientific research related to understanding the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.

The focus of the research will primarily investigate the cellular underpinnings of degeneration and the pre-clinical testing of potential therapeutics in animal models of Parkinson’s.

The goal of the Parkinson’s disease research subgroup is to investigate and develop new theories and understandings of the disease, directly influencing clinical practice, with the ultimate goal being able to apply these findings within a clinical program.

You will support the centre in its endeavour by utilising your research experience to work independently and cohesively to schedule and manage your workload.

Main duties/responsibilities:

• Perform immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques on harvested tissue. This will involve collecting tissue from mice with or without prior microdissection and snap freezing or transcardially perfusing in preparation for future use.
• A major focus will involve cryosectioning, non-fluorescent staining, and counting cells or cell components utilising stereological counting techniques
• Assist in MPTP injections as part of the Parkinson’s disease model as well as wound closure following stereotaxic surgery and pre and post-operative monitoring
• Preparation of drugs and osmotic pumps for surgeries and preparation of animal cages, equipment and monitoring sheets.
• Perform biochemical analysis including protein preparation, bradford assays, western blotting, and ELISA
• Perform tasks related to maintaining the day- to-day upkeep of the lab, including but not limited to, wash up, media prep, DNA extraction for genotyping and restocking of consumables.

Main skills/experience required:

• Bachelor of Science with first class honours or equivalent in neuroscience or related discipline is required (Masters degree preferred)
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and high level analytical and problem solving skills.
• High level interpersonal and time management skills, a high level attention to detail and exemplary oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of Parkinson’s disease is preferred but not mandatory.
• Additional skills which are highly desirable include:
  • Animal handling and behavioural testing
  • Biology techniques and anatomy techniques including but not limited to immunohistochemistry and Western blotting

Remuneration & Benefits

Base Salary Range: $65,596 to $65,596 pa (HEW 5)

This role attracts 9.5%superannuation in addition to the base salary. Employee benefits include flexible work practices, child care centres, generous parental leave and salary packaging opportunities.

This appointment will be on a fixed term full-time basis for a period of 12 months.

How To Apply

Prior to commencing your application for IRC90690, please review the Position Description and the relevant selection criteria - these can be found on our website by clicking on the apply link. You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document.  

Please note that only those applications submitted via the UTS online recruitment system will be accepted.  Current UTS employees should apply through their UTS Employee Self Service function.

As you will be unable to save your application once started, please have all required documents and information available prior to commencing.

Please ensure that the file name for each document submitted includes IRC90690.

Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the UTS Recruitment Team at recruitment@uts.edu.au or on +61 (0) 2 9514 1080.

Closing Date:  Monday 27^th March 2017 at 11.59pm(AEST)

We are committed to diversity and social inclusion, evidenced by our WGEA Employer of Choice citation, Wingara Indigenous Employment Strategy and the UTS Access and Inclusion Plan. We welcome applications from women (particularly for senior and non-traditional roles), Indigenous Australians,  people with disability, those who identify as LGBTIQ and applicants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.