Research Assistant / Lab Manager

Job no: 0062065
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Salary: Level A – $80,258 – $108,906 p.a. plus 17% super

• Contribute to research to understand the biology of T cells, focusing particularly on developing novel cancer immunotherapies
• Join the research program of Professor Axel Kallies in the Kallies Lab 
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role
The University of Melbourne seeks a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the research program of Prof Axel Kallies within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute. The Kallies Lab aims to understand the biology of T cells with a specific focus on developing novel treatments for infection and cancer immunotherapies. 

The role includes i) mouse work (monitoring and procedures, experimental work on mouse tissues, contributing to management of mouse lines and ethics approvals), ii) general support of lab work including molecular techniques, cell-based assays and flow cytometry, iii) data analysis, interpretation and presentation, iv) routine house-keeping responsibilities, and v) supporting staff and student training.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the laboratory's research program focussing on understanding of T cell biology
• Performing relevant laboratory techniques including cell culture, virus propagation, RNA and DNA transfection, animal studies, RT-PCR and sequencing and flow cytometry
• Contributing to teaching, training, scientific mentoring and supervision of students and new lab staff

Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an ideal candidate who possesses the ability to collaborate effectively with senior researchers, contributing to the design, execution, and analysis of experiments within set timelines. Strong organizational skills and precise record-keeping are crucial attributes for this role. The ideal candidate should also demonstrate proficiency in working as a cohesive member of a research team, interacting courteously and effectively with academic, administrative, and support staff. Experience in handling and experimenting on mice, including a diverse set of technical skills such as various routes of substance administration and health monitoring, is essential. Moreover, the ideal candidate should showcase a demonstrated ability to learn required technical skills and aseptic techniques promptly. Additionally, the ability to undertake administrative duties related to the management of both the research laboratory and department is a requirement for this position.

You will also have:

• BSc (Honours) degree or equivalent with a major in Immunology, Microbiology or a related discipline
• Ability to adhere to the principles of good laboratory practices
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – Department of Microbiology and Immunology
https://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/departments/microbiology-Immunology

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is one of the departments within the School of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. 

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne was established to teach and conduct research in the areas of bacteriology, virology, immunology and biotechnology.

It houses the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit (MDU) and the Media Preparation Unit (MPU).

What We Offer You!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits  page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website  and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .   

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion  page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at [email protected] , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^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

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Nick Petersen via email at [email protected] , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job, please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Position Description