Research Assistant - Translational Immunology Program

• Full-time, 1-year contract based at RMIT Bundoora campus
• Work on new therapies, vaccines, prognostics and diagnostics to help women with ovarian cancer & other complex diseases
• Support and conduct experimental procedures using animal models
• Opportunities to learn new technical skill such as intravital non-invasive whole animal fluorescence imaging
• Be part of research collaborations activities with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), Professor Clare Scott and Dr Andrew Stephens, Hudson Institute
• Report directly to the Professor Magdalena Plebanski, Program Leader
• Remuneration at Academic Level A ($67,630-$91,734) + 17% superannuation

About us

RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise with more than 91,000 students and 11,000 staff globally. RMIT offers postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational education and online programs to provide students with a variety of work-relevant pathways. Our purpose is to offer life-changing experiences for our students, and to help shape the world with research, innovation, teaching and industry engagement. With strong industry connections forged over 130 years, collaboration with industry remains integral to RMIT’s leadership in education, applied and innovative research, and to the development of highly skilled, globally focused graduates. 

Position Summary

You are an experienced Research Assistant whereby you will be accountable on multiple pre-clinical research projects towards the development of new cancer therapeutics. To be successful in this position, you must have working knowledge of animal handling skills and prior experience in performing routine experimental procedures such as IV, IP and SC injections independently. In addition, you will have sound knowledge of rodent anatomy. Coming into this position, you will perform lab assays and have the opportunity to learn intravital, whole animal fluorescence imaging using the IVIS imaging system. Lastly, you will have excellent data entry skills and high attention to detail to maintain updated databases on excel sheets.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Handle and monitor mice and rats under experimental guidelines, regularly collect and collate data which includes animal measurements i.e weight, abdominal girth
• Perform small animal surgeries, substance administration (inhalation, oral, injectable) and sample collection (blood, tissue) as well as anaesthesia and fluorescence imaging of animals
• Assist in the processing of patient blood and tumours samples as well as PDX samples
• Experience with flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, PCR and qRT-PCR analysis
• Provide and oversee the housekeeping of the laboratory i.e. cleaning and tidying of equipment and glassware, prepare solutions and maintain good record keeping
• Perform experimental procedures such as IV, IP and SC injections
• Undertake lab assays and using IVIS imaging system to learn about intravital whole animal fluorescence imaging

Skills and Experience Required

• Degree qualified with (Hons) in Biological Sciences, Immunology, Oncology, Applied Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or any related discipline (immunology or oncology background will be advantageous)
• Proven experience in animal handling i.e. mice
• Possess excellent record keeping skills and high level of attention to detail
• Strong organisational and time-management skills to meet the demand of workloads and deadlines
• Strong verbal communication skills and written skills
• Passion and ability to build strong relationships across all levels of professional staff within the organisation

About the School

The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences comprises three Academic Clusters (Allied Health, Applied Health, and Biomedical Sciences). The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences comprises three Academic Clusters (Allied Health, Applied Health, and Biomedical Sciences).  Primarily based at the RMIT Bundoora campus, we undertake teaching and research across ten disciplines: Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Exercise Science, Human Biosciences, Laboratory Medicine, Medical Radiations, Nursing, Osteopathy, Pharmacy and Psychology.  Many of our programs include Work Integrated Learning as an intrinsic part of student learning, both through placements in partner industries and through the University’s student led Health Sciences Clinic located at Bundoora.

The School’s research was ranked as well above world standard in clinical science, complementary and alternative medicine, medical physiology, microbiology and pharmacology & pharmaceutical sciences, and above world standard in psychology, public health & health service and medical & health sciences.   

Details of the School can be found at:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/academic-schools/health-and-biomedical-sciences

Culture

Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work. You will be a part of a productive and collaborative team, who values working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous information sharing and transparent work practices.

Imagination. Agility. Courage. Passion. Impact. Inclusion.

What unites us is our purpose and our values; they are at the heart of who we are, what we stand for, how we make decisions and connect with each other.

Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work. You will be a part of a productive and collaborative team, who values working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous information sharing and transparent work practices.

When you join our team, you'll be able to access a range of benefits. From travel to fitness, there's something for everyone.

Bring your whole self to work:

We are better for our diversity. When we listen to those who are different to us, or challenge us, we grow stronger together. When we feel like we belong, we can achieve so much more. We respect each other, embrace our differences and build a sense of belonging in our team and beyond. We’re proud to share with you some of our wins:

• RMIT University is an Athena SWAN member and the College of Science, Engineering and Health is central to driving improvements in gender equality, diversity and inclusion, particularly in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) disciplines.
• We placed 11th in the 2019 Talent Board APAC Candidate Experience Awards.
• RMIT has placed 10th in the 2019 Randstad Employer Brand Research Awards, up five spots from 2018.
• We were named as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency in 2019.
• We achieved Gold Employer status for LGBTIQ inclusion in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) in 2018 and again in 2019.
• We were recognised as a top five employer in 2018 for workplace accessibility with the Australian Network on Disability.
• Exceeding our targets in our Reconciliation Action Plan for Bundyi Girri - an important step in our reconciliation journey

To Apply

For further information, please contact Professor Magdalena Plebanski at magdalena.plebanski@rmit.edu.au. Alternatively, to view the position description, please click on the attachment below:

 PD - 585364 - Research Assistant.pdf

Applications close on Thursday 13th Feb 2020.

Applicants will need to attach their updated resume and a cover letter expressing their suitability for this position. Applicants are requested to separately address the key selection criteria as outlined in the Position Description.

Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Checks.

We are also happy to make adjustments to the recruitment process for your accessibility requirements. Please email TalentSupport@rmit.edu.au with your request(s).  

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to be a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

Trans and Gender Diverse applicants

Inclusion is at the durrung (or heart) of who we are. We aim to create an environment where staff and students who identify as trans and gender diverse feel supported to succeed and belong.

We recognise the challenges faced by the trans and gender diverse community when applying for a new role.

At RMIT, we aim to support you from the start. Our Talent Acquisition team are active members of the RMIT Ally network.

For enquires or support through the application, recruitment and onboarding process, applicants who identify as trans or gender diverse are invited to contact Mat Lewis at mat.lewis@rmit.edu.au