About the role

Mater Research (MR) has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Research Assistant to join our leading Neurodevelopmental Research Group.  This is a full-time position being offered as a 24-month fixed-term contract with opportunity for extension and potential to increase hours if desired. This role will be based at various locations including at the Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Woolloongabba and at Herston.

As the Research Assistant, you will contribute toward the research effort of the Neurodevelopmental Research Group across projects focused on the group’s interests. The researcher will need to be able to work both independently and collaboratively toward delivering research outputs using experimental approaches spanning preclinical large animal models and molecular biology. The researcher will participate in both implementation of experiments and analysis of generated data. They will provide technical support to the Group Leader, associate investigators and postdoctoral researchers within the team.

Salary range: $63,631 - $67,782 (Research Professional Staff Level 4) plus superannuation plus salary packaging

What you’ll be doing

Some of your key duties will include (but not limited to):

• Work in a large animal intensive care theatre and laboratory, and conduct experiments to investigate neonatal physiology
• Actively collaborate with and support other team members to successfully complete hypothesis driven experimentation to the highest quality and ethical standard
• Complete defined research experiments from planning through to data analysis and generation of publication quality data in a timely manner.
• Share in responsibility for general lab management, ordering, compliance, and safe work practice
• Maintain laboratory logs and databases
• Participate in professional activities including attendance at laboratory meetings, Institute meetings and relevant seminars
• Contribute to the preparation of scholarly papers, contract research reports and grant applications, particularly with respect to preparation of methodology sections
• Work collaboratively and diligently with a commitment to high quality research towards achieving research impacts that extend knowledge in relation to human health. 

About you

To be considered for this position, you will possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant workplace experience, with completion of an honour’s degree viewed favourably.
• Knowledge in the execution of experiments and experimental techniques including:
  • molecular and cellular biology
  • appropriate record keeping for a scientific work environment
  • tissue processing, sectioning, histology, and immunohistochemistry staining
  • animal handling, welfare monitoring, preclinical imaging and/or dissection
• Demonstrated understanding of molecular biology, physiology, and pathophysiology, with knowledge and experience in neurobiology, viewed favourable.
• An ability to rapidly acquire knowledge and technical expertise related to the research specialty.
• High level written and verbal communication skills, including experience in writing scientific   documents.
• Appropriate digital literacy skills including the use of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, statistical analysis software, Endnote referencing tool, and NCBI Resources including PubMed

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest and most innovative not-for-profit healthcare service, providing care for almost 700,000 patients a year across a network of 11 hospitals.

We are a leader in healthcare, education and research — and that’s because we employ exceptional people. #MAKEYOURMATERMOVE

• Via salary packaging arrangements, allocate some living expenses directly from your pre-taxable income and ultimately increase your take-home pay
• Access to package meal and entertainment expenses via salary packaging
• Access to leading education and professional development via Mater Education
• Flexible working arrangements, including work from home options where suitable
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and on-site pastoral care teams
• Discounts to local and national business/venues for Dining/Retail/Travel & Accommodation/Other
• Access to on-site, discounted parking
• Discounted food and beverage at various campus cafés and coffee venues

For further information specific to the position, please contact Paul Dawson via paul.dawson@mater.uq.edu.au

Applications close on Tuesday 28 March 2023.

Please note, we may contact applications prior to the closing date so please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW!

Please Note: We will not require any support from Recruitment Agencies at this time and kindly request no contact is made. Only direct applications will be considered.

It is now a mandatory requirement of employment at the Mater that you are and remain fully vaccinated against COVID-19.