Research Assistant - Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Research Assistant - Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes. Terms and conditions vacancy

An exciting opportunity exists to join a successful research group as part of a partnership between The Heart Research Institute and the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, a world class research and education precinct that is addressing the global epidemic of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease – the leading causes of mortality in Australia.

THE HEART RESEARCH INSTITUTE is a centre of excellence in cardiovascular medical research affiliated with the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney located in Newtown, Sydney. The primary focus of the Institute is in understanding the origins and mechanisms of atherosclerosis – a disease characterised by the build-up of fatty material leading to thickening of blood vessel walls and impeded blood flow. 

THE CHARLES PERKINS CENTRE is facilitating world-class research; the translation of knowledge into practical solutions; the development of innovative, cross-disciplinary teaching programs to inspire the next generation of researchers; and forging new research partnerships within and beyond the University to enable the centre to deliver unique insights and results. This ambitious mission is underpinned by two key components:

• An academic program that covers research and teaching
• A state-of-the-art world-class building completed in 2014

The partnership between The Heart Research Institute and the Charles Perkins Centre brings together our best minds from across the academic spectrum through cross- disciplinary collaboration to address the global crisis in obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For more information, visit The Heart Research Institute at http://www.hri.org.au and the Charles Perkins Centre at http://sydney.edu.au/perkins/

The position(s): Interested applicant(s) will be joining a dynamic and highly successful collaborative research program, headed by Professor Shaun Jackson (NHMRC Senior principle research fellow), and involving collaborative research with several local and international research groups, including Professor Zaverio Ruggeri (The Scripps Research Institute, USA), Professor Cheng Zhu (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA), Professor Richard Payne (Dept Chemistry, ARC future Fellow, USyd), Professor Ben Kile (Monash University, Melbourne, Australia) and Professor Mark Cooper (Monash University, Melbourne, Australia).

Our research program encompasses both basic discovery and translational research and is broadly aimed at elucidating new cellular and molecular pathways that regulate inflammation and blood clotting (thrombosis) in the development of vascular disease.

More specifically, our work aims to:

1. Define mechanisms by which disturbances in endothelial cell function stimulate platelet and leukocyte activation, culminating in the thrombo-inflammatory response and injury; and
2. Investigate novel therapeutic treatments that interfere with the formation of clots (anti-thrombotics) with safer profiles (i.e. less bleeding) in the context of vascular disease and ischaemic stroke.

   The program incorporates a substantial multidisciplinary research effort involving animal handling and in vivo animal models, intravital microscopy, live cell imaging, pharmacology, mouse genetics, and a range of protein chemistry and cell biology techniques. Future studies would involve development of potential drug candidates towards patent protection, pre-clinical trials and commercialisation. Additional opportunities exist to further identify novel mechanism(s) which regulate clot formation.

Essential criteria – you will have:

• A degree in a relevant area of medical science: Masters degree, Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree with honours
• Some experience in performing basic biochemical assays
• Small animal handling experience
• Brightfield and fluorescence microscopy of fixed samples and live cells
• High levels of motivation and the capacity for independent work
• A track record of being team focussed
• Good interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• A strong interest and commitment to producing leading international research 

Desirable criteria – you will have:

• Experience in small animal models
• Experience in intravital microscopy
• Cell harvesting and cell culture
• Basic knowledge of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling

Position requirements: In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the research program by performing a range of research related tasks which may include the following:

• Assist in the conduct and design of experiments
• Assist in the general supervision of students in the laboratory
• Assist in the preparation of documents (for grant applications, research/conference papers, ethics applications)
• Provide administrative and financial management support for research projects and programs including the maintenance of electronic and paper-based information systems, data bases, websites and records
• Maintain lab equipment and materials including waste disposal and ordering supplies

The position is full time, however flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.  The appointment period is for a maximum term of 12 months with the possibility of renewal. You will be employed by the Heart Research Institute but will be required to work at our premises in Newtown and at the Charles Perkins Centre located nearby at the University of Sydney as required.

This is an outstanding opportunity to develop skills and gain valuable experience conducting innovative research in state-of-the-art facilities. The high calibre of scientists, new technologies and cutting-edge equipment are just a few features that make the partnership between The Heart Research Institute, the Charles Perkins Centre a new precinct of excellence in premier cardiovascular research and the University of Sydney.

We Offer:

• A friendly, flexible and productive team environment
• Real work life balance
• A competitive remuneration package, including travel and relocation allowances (where applicable) along with generous not-for-profit salary packaging options

How to apply:

Your application should include:

• a cover letter and detailed curriculum vitae (CV) addressing the essential and desirable criteria
• the names and full contact details of three professional referees (including email addresses)

Further information can be obtained by contacting Associate Professor Simone Schoenwaelder by email at [email protected]

Closing Date: Applications close Sunday 5th August 2018, however applications will be shortlisted as they are received, so please apply as soon as possible.

Eligibility: To apply for this position you must have an appropriate Australian or New Zealand work visa.

Please note: Due to the volume of applications expected, only short-listed candidates may be contacted.

This is a Category A position according to the NSW Health Policy - Occupational Assessment, Screening Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases. The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of protection against the infectious diseases specified, at their own cost, prior to appointment.

The Heart Research Institute supports Equal Employment Opportunity. We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, LGBTQI individuals and applicants of diverse cultures and ages.