Research Assistant

• Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
• Duration: 12 Month, Fixed Term contract with a possibility for extension
• Remuneration: $92,265 base, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading 
• Work rights required: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
• Location: On site, Kensington, Sydney

About The Opportunity:

An exciting opportunity is available for a talented and motivated Research Assistant to join the Burnett Laboratory at UNSW Sydney.

Our laboratory investigates how the adaptive immune system recognises and responds to foreign and self-antigens. We seek to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate B-cell and T-cell responses, immune tolerance and autoimmunity, with relevance to vaccination, infection and immune-mediated disease.

The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research examining immune responses across preclinical models and human samples. Working within a collaborative and supportive research team, you will use a broad range of immunological and molecular approaches to generate high-quality experimental data and help advance projects with both fundamental and translational significance.

Depending on your experience and project requirements, your work may include:

• Exploration of immune responses in pre-clinical models and human tissue samples
• Management of animal colonies in accordance with established ethics protocols
• Assays relevant for the exploration of the adaptive immune response e.g. multiparameter flow cytometry, ELISA, Cell culture
• Molecular assays including PCR or bulk/single cell sequencing
• Maintenance of accurate laboratory records and research databases
• Supporting experimental planning, project coordination and reporting.

The position is well suited to an organised research assistant with highly developed interpersonal skills, close attention to detail, and eagerness to develop expertise across both cellular immunology and molecular biology.

The Level 5 position description requires the appointee to conduct research activities, maintain accurate experimental records, undertake research-support tasks with appropriate independence, analyse experimental and clinical data, and help the team meet agreed project milestones.

Some key skills required:

You will have:

• a relevant tertiary qualification a related discipline, together with relevant laboratory experience
• prior experience supporting or conducting laboratory-based research
• a strong interest in adaptive immunity, particularly B-cell or T-cell biology
• excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accurate experimental documentation
• sound organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities and meet deadlines
• a methodical approach to troubleshooting and problem-solving
• the ability to work independently within established methodologies while contributing positively to a collaborative team
• well-developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• a commitment to research integrity, laboratory safety and ethical research conduct.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be highly regarded:

• Prior experience using pre-clinical models and human tissue samples
• Experience managing mouse colonies and utilising them for pre-clinical research
• Assays relevant for the exploration of the adaptive immune response e.g. multiparameter flow cytometry, ELISA, Cell culture
• Molecular assays including PCR or bulk/single cell RNA/DNA sequencing

Please refer to the position description for full details.

Why Join the Burnett Laboratory?

You will join a welcoming research team committed to rigorous science, collaboration and professional development. We provide a supportive and productive environment that encourages initiative and career development, while valuing professionalism, emotional intelligence and respectful teamwork. 

UNSW Benefits and Culture 

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​ 
• Flexible working ​ 
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​ 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​ 
• Progressive HR practices​ 

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.  

Pre-Employment Checks:

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

How to apply:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below.

Please submit:

1. your curriculum vitae; and
2. a cover letter (1 page)

A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact

Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate

E:  f.mchenry@unsw.edu.au    

Applications close: 16^th of August before 11.30pm Sydney time

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.