Research Officer

Undertake research in the laboratory of Dr Nichollas Scott in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

Job no: 0055638
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full time/Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Salary: UOM Level A – $75,289 – $102,163 p.a. plus 17% super

Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is Australia’s #1 university and is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

About Microbiology and Immunology
The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is one of the departments within the School of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

About the Role
The successful applicant will undertake research in the laboratory of Dr Nichollas Scott within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne. The laboratory’s research program is broadly focussed on microbial glycosylation with this position aiming to explore the function of glycosylation across Burkholderia and Neisserial species. This position will have a strong focus on molecular biology techniques involving the generation of CRISPRi libraries and genetic manipulation of bacterial species. This work is intended to improve our understanding of the roles of O-linked glycosylation across B.

In a typical week at work, you may:

• Independently design and conduct wet-lab experiments focused on completion of research project aims
• Follow, undertake and develop molecular biology protocols
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all experiments conducted
• Undertake qualitative / statistical analysis and data visualisation to communicate results to the Chief Investigator and collaborators.

The successful applicant will work as part of a team both within and beyond the Doherty Institute. The successful candidate will be expected to design, undertake, and interpret experiments, as well as to promote innovation and creativity within the group. The level of appointment is subject to qualifications, experience and academic achievement to date.

About You
You will have a strong knowledge of molecular biology and cloning approaches (for example Recombineering, Gibson assembly and CRISPR / CRISPRi approaches). You will demonstrate and document skills in molecular techniques associated with restriction enzyme mediated DNA library generation (for example the generation transposon-insertion sequencing libraries such as TRADIS)

Ideally, you will further have:

• Experience with genetic manipulation of Gram-negative bacteria (Burkholderia, Neisseria or Acinetobacter species)
• A proven ability to design, perform and analyse experiments in a timely manner for scientific publication.
• Excellent ability in analysing data, problem solving and maintaining accurate research records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated by presentation of research results at conferences, internal forums and through manuscript submissions.

Benefits of Working with Us
In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements and generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, please visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits.

Be Yourself
At UoM, we value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community, and we encourage and celebrate diversity. Indigenous Australians, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities or culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for our roles. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

Should you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, we are currently prioritising applications with current valid working rights in Australia and candidates who are not affected by travel restrictions. Please see the latest updates to Australia's immigration and border arrangements: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/