Research Assistant - Chronic Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (CIID) Research

• Full-time, 1-year fixed-term contract opportunity; based at RMIT Bundoora campus but may be required to work and/or based at other campuses of the University
• Be part of research activities within the Chronic Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Research Program
• Grow and utilise your knowledge and expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, structural/biophysical methods and advanced cell culture & cell biology techniques in this research program
• Report to Program Leader, CIID Research Program
• Remuneration at Academic Level A ($68,983 - $93,569) + 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.

Culture

Our Values inspire us, wherever we are in the world, and guide how we live and work together.

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.

About the Collage

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.   We have a strategic focus on chronic disease and integrative health care with cross-cutting themes of: Indigenous Health, Exercise & Nutrition, Ageing in Health & Disease, and Medical Devices, Diagnostics and Prognostics. Research within the School is supported by modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment as well as a significant number of national and international partners.

Chronic Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Research Program

Established in 2017 following significant investment into strategic research capacity, the School’s research program in Chronic Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases has developed into a strong and internationally competitive Program focused on chronic disease research. The Program consists of 7 independent but interlinked research groups and has a focus on respiratory research including studies on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, respiratory infections and lung regeneration that is presently supported by 7 NHMRC Project Grants, and on persistent viral infections such as studies investigating HIV pathogenesis, neuropathogenesis and HIV co-morbidities that is presently supported by 5 NHMRC Project Grants as well as NIH funding.

More details on the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences in this link.

About You & the Role

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Producing high quality research outcomes through your experience in molecular biology, recombinant protein expression/purification, structural/biophysical techniques and cell culture experience
• Work independently and collaboratively across RMIT networks and with internal and external partners to develop and produce high-quality research outputs and research funding applications
• Actively participate and presenting research outputs at meetings, conferences and research forums and contributing to competitive external research funding submissions
• Contribute your time to supervise other Research Assistants and higher degree by research candidates
• Conduct, assist and provide high quality research in developing excellent research strategy according to the aims and objectives of University

You will have:

• Sound knowledge and prior research laboratory experience in the molecular biology or biomedical sciences field; specifically, proficiency in molecular biology techniques (including cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, PCR, RT-PCR), protein chemistry techniques (including protein expression, purification), biophysical methods (circular dichroism, surface plasmon resonance, analytical ultracentrifugation), cell culture and cell-based imaging. X-ray crystallography experience will be highly regarded
• Strong evidence of emerging academic standing through research contributions, as demonstrated by published papers, awards, scholarships and/or contribution to the success of competitive funding applications
• Excellent reporting skills and high levels of attention to detail via maintenance of updated information, reports, recordings and all other associated documentation
• Highly organised with strong time-management skills to meet the demand of workloads and deadlines
• Strong communications skills (both written and verbal) with the passion & ability to build strong relationships across all levels of professional staff within the organisation

Qualifications

Mandatory: Honours degree in Biochemistry, Virology, Molecular Biology and/or Candidates who have commensurate experience & have submitted thesis in the relevant disciplines will be considered.

Preferred: Completion of the Essentials in Tertiary Teaching Practice program or equivalent (if the appointed candidate does not meet this requirement at time of appointment, they will be supported to complete this as a requirement to fulfil their probation).

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

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 are proud that our dedication to diversity has been recognized by a broad spectrum of external organizations. Visit our Linkedin Life pages to learn more and see some of our most recent wins. 

To Apply

Please submit your updated resume and cover letter outlining your experience & achievements by clicking on the ‘Apply now’ link. Please note that a separate response to Key Selection Criteria as stated on the Position Description is required. For any enquiries regarding this role, please contact Dr Natalie Borg (natalie.borg@rmit.edu.au).

 PD - 590942 - RA - CIID Research.pdf

We are also happy to make adjustments to the recruitment process for your accessibility requirements. Please contact us via your preferred type of communication: email TalentSupport@rmit.edu.au or call Kassie on +61399252442 with your request(s).

Applications close Thursday 26th November 2020.

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being 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.

Please note that whilst we still accept applications from any persons interested in our roles, due to the impacts of COVID-19, we are currently prioritising applications from those with current working rights in Australia and who are not affected by travel restrictions. Please see the latest updates to Australia’s immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/

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