Postdoctoral Researcher - Burnet Institute - ResearchCareer

First listed on: 18 January 2019

ABOUT BURNET

Burnet Institute is a leading Australian medical research and public health organisation focused on achieving better health for vulnerable communities in Australia and internationally by accelerating the translation of research, discovery and evidence into sustainable health solutions. The Institute is headquartered in Melbourne with programs that operate across Asia, the Pacific and in Africa.

Burnet’s culture links innovative discovery-oriented research and implementation research with development and humanitarian action. World-class laboratory and field-based research is integrated into multidisciplinary programs aimed at the prevention, detection and treatment of diseases of global significance. This unique approach allows the Institute to make a tangible and sustainable impact on health in both developed and developing countries.

The Institute has three major thematic programs – Disease Elimination, Behaviours and Health Risk, and Maternal and Child Health, and two expansion programs – Healthy Ageing and Health Security. Staff within these Programs are supported by cross-cutting communities of practice; the disciplines of Life Sciences, Public Health and International Development.

THE OPPORTUNITY

An exciting opportunity is available for a Post-doctoral Researcher to join the Malaria and Tropical Diseases Group at Burnet Institute.

This role is predominately a lab-based role and requires expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology (e.g. PCR, cloning, etc), as well as protein expression, purification and characterisation.

Our group has created a cross-disciplinary environment that provides advances across the spectrum of basic science, clinical medicine and public health. These approaches seek to improve diagnostics, surveillance, clinical management and prevention of infectious diseases, especially in resource-poor settings. There is a particular focus on the development of new diagnostic tests to improve individual care and population-based surveillance data. We collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including industry partners and key national health programs, to bring genuine solutions to market and to implement locally appropriate and sustainable solutions in the field.

Opportunities exist to be involved with clinical studies, field-based research and for international travel.

The position is funded initially for a period of 12 months with likelihood of extension.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibility areas will include:

  • To work on several research and diagnostic test development projects including developing point-of-care tests for malaria and other infectious diseases, including viral hepatitis, HIV and others
  • Biochemical assays, development of new molecular assays, protein design/ expression/ purification/ characterisation
  • Conducting immunoassays to assess naturally-acquired and vaccine-induced immunity
  • Involvement in the design and implementation of public health field studies
  • Assistance in the writing of grants, reports and manuscripts for publication
  • Involvement in the supervision of students. and junior laboratory staff
  • To assist in upkeep and maintenance of laboratory research material including administration of cohort samples, human ethics, ordering of reagents/ equipment, ensuring high quality safety practices for the lab and its members, ensuring compliance with all AQIS and other quality requirements

Full details can be found in the attached position description.

CRITERIA

Essential:

  • PhD in Molecular Biology or similar
  • Sound knowledge of scientific methods including literature review, study design, data collection, analysis, writing of reports/ publications, presentation of data at meetings/ conferences
  • Practical lab skills in molecular assays (PCR and other), cell culture, protein expression/ purification, immunological assays (ELISA, flow cytometry), working safely with human samples and conditions of GCP
  • Able to engage in team-related activities including supervision of students and other lab members
  • Able to undertake work in a professional, ethical and culturally sensitive manner
  • Use of software including: excel, STATA or other statistical packages, prism, endnote etc.

Preferable:

  • Sound knowledge of malaria or other infectious diseases
  • Able to work independently especially in remote and challenging environments
  • Experience working in resource-constrained situations

Benefit from ongoing support, a monthly accrued day off and attractive salary packaging working for this leading not-for-profit organisation. Remuneration will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Burnet Institute is committed to providing our people with a supportive working environment. We value diversity and gender equity at the institute and provide flexible working arrangements for our staff. Burnet is participating in the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Pilot of the Athena SWAN Charter in Australia.

HOW TO APPLY

 

To apply for this position, CLICK HERE and attach the following documents:

  • Statement addressing the selection criteria (as outlined above and in the position description)
  • Resume including the names and contact details of three referees

Applications close 17th February 2019.

As part of our commitment to gender equity, we have included a question in the application process on gender. This will allow us to monitor and report on gender in relation to our recruitment process.

Burnet is a child safe organisation. The successful applicant may be required to apply for a Working with Children check and/or criminal record check from the Australian Federal Police.