Research Assistant

Description:

Job Description

An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Assistant to join the Immunology division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute, as part of a translational research program studying immune responses to gluten in patients with coeliac disease

About the Position

Coeliac disease is a prevalent immune illness caused by gluten. Our group aims to understand the molecular basis for coeliac disease by studying the T and B cell immune responses to gluten in human participants with the goal of developing better therapies and diagnostics for patients.

A major goal of this research group is to develop and optimise a suite of immunological readouts to facilitate assessment of immune responses. The role will involve running, optimising and validating these assays for use in both academic research projects and industry-sponsored human clinical trials.

The appointee will report directly to Associate Professor Jason Tye-Din at WEHI. Key responsibilities will include:

Conduct research

• Key techniques include: isolation of primary cell populations and tissue culture, including T cell cloning; ELISpot, ELISA and electrochemiluminescent cytokine assays; flow cytometry; RNA/DNA isolation and genotyping; metabolomic analysis

• Handling a range of human samples

• Maintain databases and sample archives; data acquisition, handling and recording; preparation of data and manuscripts

• Follow ISO guidelines as required for quality management of clinical trial samples

Administrative and laboratory support

• Ordering and maintenance of lab and division consumables

• Assist with rostered divisional duties

• Implementation of ISO accreditation guidelines and development of SOPs for trial readouts

• Maintain repository of protocols and results

• Support the training of students and new on data collection, instruments and lab safety

• Manage operations and communications within the research group