• 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 (Gene Editing) in the Vector and Genome Engineering Facility (VGEF).

The successful applicant will be involved in work, under BSL2/2+ conditions, for the generation and validation of cell lines and stem cells with genomic modifications aiming at understanding gene function or recapitulating specific disease phenotypes. 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 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 selected candidate will work with dedicated research personnel and will be involved in further expanding the Vectorology capacity of VGEF. The successful candidate will be expected to stay on top of the fast-changing genome editing technology aiming at improving currently available tools and development of novel genome engineering 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 stem cell / iPSC biology and genome editing. Preference will be given to applicants with hands-on experience working with gene editing technologies (TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 system) in human/mouse stem cells and iPSC. Experience working with viral vectors, especially vectors based on adeno associated virus (AAV) as well as experience in molecular cloning and production of gene therapy constructs is highly desirable.

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 PV2144), curriculum vitae and contact details (phone/email) of three professional referees, and be forwarded to recruitment@cmri.org.au

Closing date for applications is 20^th October 2021.