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Research Officer

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

Who Are We?

At Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) we share a powerful vision; to re-imagine the future of child health. We are the home to many life-changing scientific discoveries. We believe that no question is too impossible to try and answer. We are renowned for our cutting edge focus on early interventions, improved diagnosis, prevention and development of potential cures. Our success is founded on a philosophy of collaboration through a multi-disciplinary approach to solving the toughest questions in child health.

MCRI is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability. We are committed to creating a positive working environment which values all backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster an inclusive culture that is underpinned by equal opportunity for all and a culture based on respect, consideration and dignity.

Your Opportunity

MCRI is looking for a highly qualified candidate to join Associate Professor Silvia Velasco’s Neural Stem Cell team. A/Prof. Velasco is seeking a Research Officer who has recently completed their PhD, and is an expert in stem cell culture, disease modelling, bioengineering and microfluidic techniques to work on a project focused on the development of stem cell-derived 3D organoid models for the analysis of human brain development, to ultimately investigate how alterations to this process lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. In this role, the successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of A/Prof. Silvia Velasco, in an extremely collaborative research environment.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to

  • Generating in vitro 3D brain organoid models from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).
  • Optimising current organoid protocols, to establish models that better mimic the complexity of the human brain.
  • Performing standard characterisation of brain organoids, including immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, western-blotting, and imaging.
  • Performing high throughput single-cell multi-omics and electrophysiological analysis on brain organoids.
  • Design of experiments, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation.

Selection Criteria

Essential

  • Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or related Life Science discipline.
  • Significant lab expertise gained from training within an internationally renowned lab.
  • Demonstrated experience in the maintenance and characterisation of hPSCs.
  • Demonstrated experience in cell and molecular biology, cell/tissue analysis (immunofluorescence staining, quantitative PCR, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation), 3D bioprinting and use of microfluidic devices.
  • Familiarity with high content imaging, including confocal and two-photon microscopy.

Desirable

  • Experience in the maintenance of hPSC-derived neuronal cell cultures and mouse primary neuronal cultures and optimisation of cell culture protocols.

What’s in it for you:

  • 3 Year Contract.
  • Attractive Salary $98,092 - $105,292 per annum + Super (with Salary Packaging).
  • Full Time.
  • Flexible Working Options.
  • Ongoing Career Development and Training.
  • Paid Parental Leave Scheme.
  • Health and Wellbeing Program and an Employee Assistance Program.

Apply Now!!

If you believe you have what we're after please click 'Apply Now' to proceed with your application.

In one document only please place your:

  • Cover Letter.
  • Response to Key Selection Criteria.
  • Resume.

A position description is attached.

Any specific questions not answered in the position description should be directed to Assoc Prof Silvia Velasco at [email protected] using the subject line: Research Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

If you experience technical difficulties when submitting your application, please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Research Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs. 

On occasions where we receive a large number of applications, we may close the advert ahead of the publicised closing date. We would therefore advise that you submit your completed application as soon as possible.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

All applicants please be aware that in line with the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s Directions, all MCRI and VCGS workers must be fully vaccinated, unless a medical exception applies. Applicants will be required to provide their Australian Government COVID-19 Digital Immunisation Certificate/s or evidence of medical exception or evidence of vaccination booking as part of our pre-employment requirements.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with disability.

Should you require any specific support or adjustments please talk to us and we will be happy to accommodate.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Check and a Working with Children check is compulsory.

Please note, applications will only be considered when submitted via the MCRI website.

How to apply

This job ad has now expired, and applications are no longer being accepted.
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