Research Assistant - Epigenetics Research @ Sydney

Employer: Garvan Institute of Medical Research

Closing date: 13-12-2019

Brief position description: The Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Garvan) is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes, with over 600 scientists, students and support staff. Its mission is to make significant contributions to medical research that will change the directions of science and medicine and have major impacts on human health. Garvan’s research encompasses immunology, bone biology, neuroscience, diabetes and metabolism, cancer, and genomics and epigenetics. These research activities are organised within four themes: Cancer, Inflammatory Diseases, Healthy Aging, and Genomics, and two Centres: the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics and the Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics.

The Genomics and Epigenetics Theme is an integrated series of strongly interactive Research Groups undertaking research aimed at understanding genome biology and its impact on disease. The Theme's vision is to interpret the information encoded within the genome and elucidate how the pattern of spatial and temporal epigenetic and resulting transcriptional processes control human development. In addition to this how disruption of these processes contributes to cancer and other diseases, including diabetes and neurological and immunological disorders; and to translate this knowledge to improve health outcomes through development of biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets

The Opportunity
We are currently seeking a Research Assistant (RA) who will be responsible for planning and conducting experiments under supervision with the lab. The RA will also assist with the general maintenance and upkeep of the lab supplies, equipment and procedure. The incumbent will also have close interaction with other post-doctoral scientists, PhD students and Research Assistants in the Epigenetics group, as well as with other members of this group and the wider Cancer Theme.

Reporting to the Laboratory Head, Epigenetic Research, this is a one year fixed term position with possibility to extend.

Key Responsibilities
Conducting molecular biology experiments, including cell culture, transfections, gene editing and DNA and RNA analyses under supervision of a senior researcher
Performing epigenome techniques including, chromatin ChIP, chromatin capture and DNA methylation and other sequencing library preparations
Developing and applying new methodologies, as the need arises
Analysing data including bioinformatic analysis in a timely, efficient and diligent manner.
Evaluating and applying alternative methodologies/algorithms to optimise sensitivity and reproducibility; Record experimental procedures and results
Regularly attend meetings with the wider Research Division community as required
Contributing to research projects through to joint authorship of abstracts and publications in journals specific to their scientific field.

About You
The successful candidate should possess the following:
Masters’ Degree in Science or Medicine (preferably with Honours) or a related field with an interest to gain relevant research experience and in PhD studies
Competent computer skills (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)
Highly collaborative with a strong commitment to quality
High degree of flexibility and ability to take direction well
Showing ability to time manage by appropriate prioritisation of workload
Good communication skills, and
Comfortable with basic decision making
The incumbent should have experience in one or more of the following areas:

Chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA methylation sequencing
Cell culture
RNA and DNA handling
PCR
Quantitative Gene Expression Analysis
Bioinformatic analysis and coding experience
Proficiency in R language

How to Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV, cover letter and academic transcripts by 8 November 2019. As we will be reviewing applications as they are received, we encourage you to submit yours as soon as possible.

Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.

Job website: http://garvan.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/garvan_institute/job/Sydney/Research-Assistant---Epigenetics-Research_PRF5260-2

Contact name: Shree Chattopadhyay

Contact email: shreec@garvan.org.au