This position provides an exciting opportunity for a talented, meticulous and highly motivated post-doctoral researcher at either Research Officer or Senior Research Officer level to join the laboratory of Assoc. Prof. Joan Heath in the Epigenetics and Development Division at WEHI.

Research in the Heath lab is focused on identifying drug-like molecules that interfere with a specific step in pre-mRNA processing for the purpose of treating a broad spectrum of cancers.

This project is a culmination of almost two decades of basic research in the Heath lab, which began with a functional genomics screen in zebrafish that identified a collection of genes necessary to support high rates of intestinal epithelial cell proliferation during early development (Markmiller S, Cloonan N et al., 2014 PNAS 111:3062-3067). The lab went on to show that one of the identified genes plays a specific role in pre-mRNA processing that is critical to sustain the rapid growth and replication of a variety of cancers, but is not required by healthy, relatively quiescent tissues (Doggett K, Williams BB et al., 2018 RNA 24:1856-1870; Doggett K, Morgan K et al., bioRxiv, 2021.12. 09.469623).

These findings provide the rationale and feasibility for our current research, which aims to determine whether this stage in pre-mRNA processing could be vulnerable to chemical inhibition and thereby provide a target for novel cancer therapeutics. To test this hypothesis and accelerate the translation of our findings into the clinic, the Heath lab recently joined forces with a major pharmaceutical company in Europe. Our collaborative partnership provides complimentary skills in chemical screening, in vitro and in vivo models of cancer, analytical biochemistry tools, Next-Gen sequencing, proteomics and bioinformatic analyses.

Key Selection Criteria

To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a PhD in a relevant discipline, such as biochemistry, cancer biology, molecular biology, proteomics or genomics. Ideally the candidate will have deep experience in pre-clinical models of cancer, transfection, protein expression and purification, western blotting, RT-PCR and qPCR, RNAseq library preparation and Next-Gen sequencing data analysis. The candidate must have impeccable record-keeping skills, preferably on an electronic lab notebook (ELN) platform such as LabArchives.

We are looking for a bright, motivated and enthusiastic individual, with a strong collaborative work ethic, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a track record of publications and/or delivery of project milestones.

Position descriptions are available for Research Officer and Senior Research Officer.

Please direct enquiries to Assoc. Prof. Joan Heath via [email protected] using the subject line: Research Officer / Senior Research Officer - Heath Lab enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Terms of appointment

This position is a full-time appointment available for 2 years with the possibility of renewal. Salary is at either Research Employee Level A6-8 ($93,415 - $100,270) or Senior Research Officer Level B1-6 ($105,555 -$125,339), depending on experience. Up to 17% superannuation is also available.

WEHI offers very attractive salary packaging opportunities including the option to package up to $15,900 of your pre-tax salary (to see a breakdown of what this means please refer here and enter 'Wehi' as the employer).

Benefits & Culture

WEHI offers a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally. Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible working practices policies, financial benefits such as salary packaging, enhanced Super and most importantly a friendly team working environment & awesome 'one for all' culture. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.

WEHI also offers

• Institute holidays in addition to 20 days annual leave
• Meal entertainment card to the value of $2,650 (pre-tax salary)
• Novated car leasing options

How to Apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

WEHI - Brighter together

WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.

WEHI is a place where people are able to shine. People who are inquisitive, who are committed, who are passionate. People who want to make a difference. And we are committed to ensuring they have the tools to flourish, personally and professionally. We are a community of researchers, students and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. We are driven by collaboration, curiosity and creativity. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world. We are WEHI. We are brighter together.

WEHI's commitment to diversity and inclusion

At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.

Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.

WEHI's commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries.

We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students.

We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.