Senior Staff Scientist / Staff Scientist in Vectorology - Children's Medical Research Institute - ResearchCareer

First listed on: 21 September 2021

Senior Staff Scientist / Staff Scientist in Vectorology

• Make an important contribution to the health of children through medical research
• Work with one of Australia’s most respected national and independent medical research institutes
• Located in Westmead, one of Sydney’s major biomedical research hubs
• Salary Range ($99,209 - $110,474) + Super + benefits

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is 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. CMRI has established the Translational Vectorology Unit (TVU) that specializes in the development of novel recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) and individualised gene therapeutics for the treatment of rare paediatric genetic conditions. Aligned with our efforts in the gene therapy space, CMRI has established the Vector and Genome Engineering Facility (VGEF) dedicated to the distribution of viral vectors and gene therapy tools and reagents, and the provision of genome editing technologies for functional genomics investigation and disease modelling.

Applications are invited for the position of the Senior Staff Scientist /Staff Scientist (Vectorology) in the Vector and Genome Engineering Facility (VGEF).

The successful applicant will be involved in work, under BSL2/2+ conditions, for the preparation of rAAV and lentiviral vectors, molecular cloning and packaging of expression cassettes in viral constructs and quality testing and functional analysis of viral vectors. The selected candidate will work with dedicated research personnel and will be involved in further expanding the Genome Engineering capacity of VGEF. In addition to undertaking routine tasks related to the maintenance of the laboratory, the successful candidate will also be responsible for performing basic molecular biology assays, including but not limited to DNA/RNA purification, DNA preparation, qPCR and cloning. 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. The successful candidate will be expected to stay on top of the fast-changing vectorology technology aiming at improving currently available tools and development of novel gene transfer technologies.

The candidate will be expected to manage and conduct multiple concurrent projects, liaison with the facility users, and supervising junior members of the team. 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 must hold the postgraduate qualification (preferentially PhD) in molecular biology or biotechnology with relevant research experience in vector biology and molecular cloning technologies. Preference will be given to applicants with hands-on experience working with vector production and packaging of AAV, lentiviral or adenoviral vectors as well as experience in molecular cloning, production of gene therapy constructs for genetic modification of cultured cells (in vitro) and model organisms (in vivo).

The candidate must have demonstrated the ability to work independently, manage multiple competing priorities and integrate work initiatives into the overall facility goals, while meeting appropriate deadlines. Furthermore, preference will be given to candidate with experience in managing team of people, including managing day-to-day activities as well as long-term research plans and performing staff training. 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.

This position will allow the successful candidate to get involved with large number of exciting and cutting-edge projects directly aiming at understanding mechanisms of various genetic diseases and development of patient specific treatment options. Where appropriate, the candidate may contribute to research publications, present data at scientific meetings and support the preparation of grant applications.

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. This appointment is initially for a fixed term of 12 months and continuing tenure is subject to satisfactory performance, the availability of funding and the requirements of research projects.

Applications should include a cover letter (citing PV2143), curriculum vitae and contact details (phone/email) of three professional referees, and be forwarded to recruitment@cmri.org.au

Closing date for applications is 20th October 2021.