Research Assistant – Cell and Molecular Biology

Job Description

Full time, fixed term for 12 months with a possibility of extension Exciting opportunity to be a Research Assistant with the School of Medical Sciences in the Charles Perkins Centre Base Salary from $86,511 + 17% superannuation About the opportunity The School of Medical Sciences is looking for an enthusiastic Research Assistant to join the NeuroMolecular Discovery Group to support research investigating neurodegenerative diseases. The position will be based in the Charles Perkins Centre, a state-of-the-art research facility located on the University of Sydney’s Camperdown campus. The NeuroMolecular Discovery Group The lab, led by Dr. Rebecca San Gil , is dedicated to discovering genes and proteins with therapeutic potential to combat neurodegenerative diseases, particularly motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia. This role presents an opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a new laboratory and work together with a team of motivated individuals to develop novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Research environment The School of Medical Sciences is recognised as one of the leading centres for medical science education in the world. With over 100 years of excellence in education, we are proud to be training the next generation of medical scientists who will be leading members of the medical research community with an innovative integrated curriculum. Our team of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from molecules to medicines, from patient to policy across a range of therapeutic areas. The Charles Perkins Centre is a large multidisciplinary initiative committed to easing the burden of chronic disease. Our complex systems approach brings together leading researchers and practitioners from across the disciplines in unexpected research collaborations to find new solutions to combat chronic diseases. We are reconceiving the systems of health through our revolutionary approach to easing the burden of chronic diseases – obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases – through innovative research collaborations and partnerships. The role The key responsibilities of the Research Assistant will include: Contributing to the design and development of research protocols, ensuring timely execution of research activities. Assisting with data collection and analysis, ensuring data quality and accuracy. Coordinating with the team to produce quality reports, verify data accuracy within university systems, and actively engage in compliance initiatives to uphold ethics and biosafety regulations. Keeping clear and accurate records of experimental methodology and results and assisting with effective record keeping and data management using a laboratory notebook or digital research notebook. Purchasing chemicals, reagents, and consumables, ensuring appropriate storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals, reagents, and samples/specimens. Maintenance of lab and university inventories. Undertaking laboratory research including bacterial culture and mammalian cell culture and transfection, including the differentiation and culture of neurons from human iPSC lines. Utilizing techniques such as immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy (confocal and high content), flow cytometry, and qPCR. About you Essential Bachelor of Science (Honours) with major or minor in cellular and molecular biology or an equivalent combination of relevant research experience and/or education/training. Expertise in cell culture of immortalised cell lines, culture of iPSC-derived human neurons, transfection of cells/neurons with plasmid DNA, cell lysis and protein extraction, and RNA purification. Experience with preparation of cells/neurons for immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy (including confocal microscopy), immunoblotting, qPCR, and/or flow cytometry. Ability to work independently and to multi-task experiments while meeting timelines; self-motivated and independent thinking with enthusiasm to achieve research goals; demonstrated capacity to work effectively both with or without direct supervision and as part of a team. Excellent communication, record-keeping, and organisational skills. Ability and willingness to learn new techniques and optimise experimental approaches. Awareness of laboratory safety and occupational health and safety protocols, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies, and protocols. Desirable Experience in designing plasmid DNA constructs, and an understanding of concepts in CRISPR gene editing/knockout/activation. Experience using software for the statistical analysis and visualisation of data (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R Studio). Sponsorship / work rights for Australia Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires valid work rights for Australia. Pre-employment checks Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. EEO statement At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability, and excellence , and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion . How to apply Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. For employees of the University or contingent workers, please log in to your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply. For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Ajaypal Singh, Recruitment Operations by email at Applications Close Sunday 16 March 2025 11:59 PM #J-18808-Ljbffr