Job Description:

Position Number: 0064140
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: School of Biomedical Sciences
Salary:  Academic Level A – $83,468 - $113,262 p.a. plus 17% super

• Conduct cell culture and primary cell experiments involving viruses to support the Bonn-Cumming Program of host-directed therapies against viruses of pandemic potential.
• Contribute to groundbreaking research on pandemic preparedness by joining this $57 million initiative, the first of its kind, aimed at developing a blueprint for therapeutics that trigger the body's natural immune response against pathogens of pandemic potential.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Research Assistant for the new Bonn-Cumming Host-Directed Pandemic Therapeutics Research Program as part of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics (CGCPT). The research position is based within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology located in the Doherty Institute and is focused on the biology of influenza and other respiratory viruses, with a particular emphasis on developing novel broad-spectrum antivirals.

This position will drive experiments in primary cells, specialising in-vitro work, particularly viral infection of human airway cell cultures. The position will receive direction from research leaders and be expected to exercise a level of judgement in day-to-day activities commensurate with experience as required.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning and carrying out experiments related to the project aims.
• Maintaining detailed records of all experiments and qualitative/statistical analysis of data.
• Assisting in maintaining regulatory compliance and standard operating procedures.
• Participating in lab meetings, departmental seminars, and committee work.

Who We Are Looking For
We’re looking for people who demonstrate strong initiative and excellent communication abilities to confidently present work at local and international forums. With the capacity for collaborative teamwork and an eagerness to contribute to cutting-edge projects, the ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment focused on delivering transformative outcomes.

You will also have:

• A BSc (Hons) or Masters degree in Virology, Immunology or a closely related discipline.
• Proven experience (or a willingness) working with animal models of infection, inflammation or disease.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture (experience in primary cell culture desirable).
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
• Familiarity with molecular biology methods like DNA cloning, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry (desirable).
• Familiarity with viral infection/culture (desirable).

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – School of Biomedical Sciences

https://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/

As part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences since 2015, the School comprises three Departments, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, and Microbiology and Immunology. It has 85 research groups across the three departments, awarding-winning teachers and more than 2500 equivalent full-time student enrolments each year.

Our Mission

Create an innovative and inclusive academic environment building on a strong legacy of world-class excellence and lay the foundation for new generations of biomedical researchers to create new knowledge and lead the revolution in biomedicine, and realise their dream of advancing human health locally and globally.

Our Vision

• Promote collegiality and an inclusive academic environment through the engagement of partners, institutes, hospitals, industries, government and the community at large.
• Cultivate the highest level of excellence in research and education.
• Attract and develop a diverse and talented academic workforce.
• Lead the revolution in biomedicine and translate research outcomes into life transforming healthcare.
• Strengthen our intellectual and technological environment through interdisciplinary interactions, integration of resources and creative thinking.
• Seize all opportunities to create the conditions for sustainability.
• Observe the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

Please ensure that you apply through the Apply Now button at the bottom of this advertisement. However, if you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Nick Petersen via email at [email protected], ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Interviews for this position are expected to be conducted between 13 December and 24 December, following the advertisement's closing date. We kindly hope candidates will be aware of these dates and ensure their availability if shortlisted.