Research Officer/Post-doctoral Scientist - Children's Medical Research Institute - ResearchCareer

First listed on: 06 September 2021

Research Officer/Post-doctoral Scientist

  • Work with one of Australia’s most respected national and independent medical research institutes
  • Located in Westmead, one of Sydney’s and Australia’s major biomedical research hubs
  • Salary Range ($89,384 - $95,948) + Super + benefits

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the nation’s most highly regarded independent medical research centres. CMRI’s research programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and committed research and support staff. In a collaborative effort with the University of Sydney and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN), CMRI has built a world-leading gene therapy program, capturing the entire translational journey from idea to therapeutic reality, including clinical viral vector manufacturing facility. Aligned with our efforts in the gene therapy space, CMRI has established Australian first Vector and Genome Engineering Facility (VGEF) dedicated to distribution of viral vectors and gene therapy tools and reagents, and Translational Vectorology Research Unit (TVRU), which specializes in the development of novel recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) and individualised gene therapeutics for the treatment of rare paediatric genetic conditions. Both laboratories benefit from direct leadership of Associate Professor Lisowski, a world expert in vector-based gene therapy. In addition to highly dedicated and motivated researchers, our achievements are made possible by a loyal network of community supporters, highly engaged donors and the very successful Jeans for Genes® fundraising campaign.

Applications are invited for the position of the Research Officer in the Translational Vectorology Research Unit (TVRU) for a project related to the development of vector-based gene therapy for a neurodegenerative genetic condition. The successful applicant will be responsible for working independently and as part of larger research unit and perform research in the area of vectorology and neuroscience under PC2 conditions. The candidate will be expected to conduct independent research projects as agreed from discussions with the Unit Head. The candidate will manage multiple concurrent experiments and will also be involved in supervising junior members of the research team, including students. As part of the research project, the successful candidate will be responsible for performing a wide range of molecular biology assays including, but not limited to, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA purification, qPCR, blotting and sequencing. The candidate will also be directly involved in culturing and manipulating patient cells, design cloning and application of currently available gene therapy and gene editing tools. In addition, the position involves undertaking routine tasks related to the maintenance of the laboratory and preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The successful candidate will be directly involved in the preparation of scientific reports and grant applications. This appointment is initially for a fixed term of 12 months, with continuing tenure subject to satisfactory performance, and the requirements of research projects in the Research Unit. The successful candidate must hold a PhD and/or MD degree inclusive of course work in molecular biology or biotechnology and have at least one years of relevant post-graduate research experience in molecular cloning, DNA/RNA biology and cell culture. The candidate must have demonstrated the ability to work independently, manage multiple (sometimes competing) priorities and integrate multiple work initiatives into the overall facility goals, while meeting appropriate deadlines.

Preference will be given to applicants with experience in viral vectors, especially vectors based on adeno associated virus (AAV) as well as to those with experience in molecular cloning, production of molecular tools, such as gene therapy constructs for genetic modification of cultured cells (in vitro) and model organisms (in vivo). Preference will be given to candidates with background in neuroscience and neurobiology and/or genetics. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel are required. Applications are encouraged from enthusiastic and motivated individuals with excellent technical ability and communication skills.

The successful applicant will be provided with a competitive remuneration package in accordance with qualifications and experience. Additional benefits include the provision of a Public Benevolent Institution salary packaging scheme and participation in an employer-contributed superannuation fund.

Applications should include a cover letter (citing PV2123), curriculum vitae and contact details (phone/email) of three professional referees and be forwarded to recruitment@cmri.org.au

Closing date for applications is on or before 5th October 2021.