Who Are We?

At 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:

The Research Officer will be working as part of a team on a project whose aim is the characterisation of in vitro blood cell generation from in vitro differentiated human pluripotent stem cells, and the generation of repopulating hematopoietic stem cells.

This is a challenging project that requires the successful development of both an in vitro differentiation protocol to generate engrafting haematopoietic cells, and also upon a robust transplantation model in which the capacity of the cells can be assayed.

Our group has considerable experience in both these areas, with the identification of differentiation factors that pattern pluripotent stem cells to phenotype similar to the first human HSCs emerging from the aortic wall during embryonic development, and the establishment of an immunocompromised mouse model that can read out engrafting human haematopoietic cells.

The Research Officer will immunophenotype and functionally evaluate subsets of haematopoietically differentiated hPSCs, and use this data to inform modifications to the differentiation protocol and evaluate growth factor combinations and stromal layers for maintenance and expansion of putative haematopoietic stem cells.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• In vitro culture, haematopoietic differentiation and analysis of human pluripotent stem cells.
• Conducts ethical research at the highest level of integrity and in line with the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research and MCRI policies.
• Undertakes high calibre competitive research.
• Has successfully written and continues to submit grant and ethics approval applications.
• Attracts external competitive funding and has a record of high quality publications, research impact and peer recognition.
• Works to improve skill base in research productivity and methodology.
• Follows standard operating procedures, study protocols and study guidelines.
• Conducts continuous maintenance of neat and orderly records, log books and data storage.
• Identifies ways to improve data collection/quality utilised by the team/group or research.

Selection Criteria

• Relevant PhD/Doctoral qualification.
• Excellent time management, organisational and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated relevant computer skills and an understanding of a range of research methodologies and their application in empirical research.
• Experience in culture and haematopoietic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.
• Experience in analysis of haematopoietic cells using a range of techniques including flow cytometry and clonogenic assays.
• Preparation of samples for transcriptomic analysis including bulk and single cell RNA seq data.

What’s in it for you:

• 3 Year Contract (Possible Extension).
• Attractive Salary $98,092-$105,292 + 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!

Download the position description or see attached document.

Any specific questions not answered in the position description should be directed to Professor Andrew Elefanty [email protected] using the subject line: Research Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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

If you experience technical difficulties when submitting your application, please contact [email protected] quoting Position Reference.

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.

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 clicking Apply Now.

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