Research Assistant - Antibody Profiling and Vaccine Development

Job no: 0061530
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 18 months
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences
Salary: Level A - $80,258 - $108,906 p.a. plus 17% super

• Contribute to groundbreaking antibody-based vaccine development for infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2.
• Join a dynamic team, apply advanced techniques, and shape the future of immunology research.
• 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

This presents a unique opportunity for a passionate Research Assistant to join the renowned Chung Lab at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in advancing our understanding of antibody responses to infectious diseases, particularly focusing on the development of antibody-based vaccines and therapeutics. Working collaboratively with a team of accomplished researchers, you will engage in cutting-edge techniques such as protein expression, BLI, Capillary Electrophoresis, multiplex, in vitro cell-based assays, and flow cytometry, contributing to the assessment of high throughput antibody profiling assays.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Independently, or under limited supervision, plan and carry out experiments focused on completion of research project aims
• Carry out experiments related to the project ethically, accurately and productively
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all experiments conducted
• Be responsible for qualitative and statistical analysis of research data and to communicate this information to the Chief Investigators and collaborators

Who We Are Looking For

You excel in collaborative research environments, engaging respectfully with diverse team members and demonstrating strong administrative and technical skills. Your commitment to good laboratory practices and effective communication sets you apart.

You will also have:

• BSc (Honours) degree or equivalent with a major in Immunology, Microbiology or a related discipline
• Ability to work with senior researchers and help design, perform and analyse experiments in a timely manner
• Strong organisation skills and accurate recording and analysis of data generated from research undertaken
• Demonstrated computer skills, including use of spreadsheets and word processing

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

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is at the forefront of groundbreaking research in understanding the immune system and combating infectious diseases. Our dedicated team focuses on unravelling the complexities of pathogens and infectious agents to develop innovative methods for detection, control, and treatment. We strive to manipulate the immune system, enhancing responses against disease-causing organisms and even cancer. As a part of our department, you'll be joining a community of scientific excellence and leadership, making a real impact on global health.

What We Offer You!

In addition, 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 Tara 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.

Applications close: 20 February 2024 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) / Melbourne time zone. 

Position Description:  0061530_Research Assistant_PD.pdf