Telethon Institute for Child Health Research Hiring for Research Assistant – Airway Epithelial Research Job at Australia Full Time

The Opportunity
The Airway Epithelial Research Team is investigating the role of the epithelium in the development of airway diseases including asthma, cystic fibrosis and lung transplant rejection.

Understanding the importance of the regulatory mechanisms involved in each of these disease processes is essential if effective prevention and therapeutic strategies are to be developed.

This multi-disciplinary research team is now looking to appoint a casual Research Assistant to support with the processing and extraction of genetic material from tissue samples from the AERIAL study nested under the ORIGINS Project and assist with laboratory procedures.

The Role
Reporting to and closely working with our Research Officer, this varied role will see you process and cryopreserve placenta samples obtained from the ORIGINS Project for biobanking purposes and assist with diligent recordkeeping, general lab cleaning, maintenance and administration procedures.

This is a short-term, 6 month position which will be offered for 6 months.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assist with data entry into LabArchives REDCap and Open Specimen software at Telethon Kids Institute
• Purchasing of lab consumables
• When not required in lab, assisting with office-related tasks to supplement research team
• Sample processing for various sequencing platforms (bulk RNA-Seq, DNA-methylation, ATAC-Seq and single cell multiome): RNA & DNA extractions & Nuclei isolation from tissues
• Performing sterile chorioamniotic membrane processing, involving
• Tissue dissociation of fetal membranes
• Cryopreservation of amniotic epithelial cells
• Setting up culturing of amniotic epithelial cells
• Working with liquid nitrogen

About You
To be successful in this role, you will have demonstrated experience in the following:

• Substantial laboratory experience including clinical sample processing and sterile technique
• Experience with nucleic acids extraction protocols
• Experience with various methods of nucleic acids quantification
• Excellent team working skills as well as ability to work using own initiative

High level attention to detail
We are driving inclusion and diversity as part of the way we work. If you meet a number of the requirements (and not all), we encourage you to submit your application.

Our Culture
Our aim is to create a workplace where people are respected and encouraged to fulfil their potential. We encourage a workforce that is innovative, eager to acquire knowledge and enhance skills; we embrace all employee differences and foster a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

We value our people and in return, you will be rewarded with a competitive remuneration package and the opportunity to be part of a long-standing organisation.

We offer excellent training and development opportunities and generous staff benefits including flexible working conditions, Christmas shutdown as extra annual leave, paid parental leave, social activities and a health and wellbeing program.

How to apply
If you think that this is the right role and an exciting new challenge for you, please click on ‘Apply Now’ to navigate to our Career Site to view the Job Description and submit your application.

Your cover letter (no more than 2 pages) should specifically address your skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section above.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with our online portal, please direct your query to [email protected]

Contact Name: Thomas Iosifidis

Contact Email: [email protected]>

Closing Date: 05/07/2022. Telethon Kids reserve the right to hire prior the closing date.