Research Assistant in Digestive Physiology

Job no: 0057760
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Anatomy and Physiology
Salary: Level A.1 – $77,171 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About the Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
In January 2021, a consolidation occurred within the School of Biomedical Sciences that amalgamated the former Departments of Anatomy and Neuroscience and Physiology into the Department of Anatomy and Physiology. The three previous departments had long and proud histories and have now come together to produce one department with a remarkable breadth and depth in research expertise, whilst retaining our teaching programs that are widely recognised for our innovation in teaching.

The Department of Anatomy and Physiology’s key research themes are neuroscience, metabolism and diabetes, muscle and cell biology. The goal of the combined department is to remain at the forefront of scientific research aimed at understanding the structure and function of the human body in health and disease, employing novel and imaginative research methods.

About the Role
An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Assistant to join the Gut-Axis Injury and Repair Laboratory in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne. Be part of a highly collaborative multi-disciplinary research group using behavioural, immunological, and molecular techniques to understand how the gut contributes to the onset/progression of age-related diseases with a strong focus on identifying alterations at the level of the gastrointestinal tract that can be used as markers or therapeutic targets of disease.

Responsibilities include:

• Collection and processing of gastrointestinal and brain tissues for immunohistochemistry and histology
• Keep accurate experimental records, analyse results and prepare data for publication
• Assist with administrative duties such as maintaining laboratory databases, records of training, SOPs and inventories
• Adhere and maintain research protocols and storage of research data in keeping with the Department and University’s requirements for the storage of such data including privacy and confidentiality requirements

About You
You have excellent written and oral communication skills, and organisational skills, demonstrated in accurate record keeping. You work independently and engage in team-related activities. You are a flexible worker and display the ability to develop new skills.

You will also have:

• BSc honours degree in biological or biomedical science
• Experience working with laboratory mice including animal handling, mouse anaesthesia, and oral gavage
• Practical lab skills in immunological techniques (ELISA, immunohistochemistry), molecular techniques (PCR and Western blotting), and cell culture
• Experience maintaining laboratory stocks, supplies and equipment, and ensuring high quality safety practices for the lab and its members

Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia.

About the University
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us
In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits .

Be Yourself
We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected] .

Position Description