About QIMR Berghofer:

QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Mental Health and Neuroscience, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non-research staff.

About Clinical Malaria Laboratory:

The Clinical Malaria Group conducts malaria volunteer infection studies, primarily to evaluate antimalarial activity of candidate antimalarials.  Models have been established for an artemisinin-sensitive and an artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum strain, and other Plasmodium species including P. vivax and P. malariae.  These studies are also used to evaluate transmission-blocking activity of antimalarials, and enable the conduct of exploratory studies to evaluate immunological and pathophysiological response to infection.

Role Purpose / Responsibilities:  

• Laboratory duties including working under cGMP conditions in tissue culture labs in the Clinical Malaria Group and clean rooms at the Institute’s cGMP facility
• Undertake in vitro growth and maintenance of malaria parasite cultures for clinical trials and research purposes
• Perform standard laboratory techniques including general molecular biology and immunology e.g. DNA/RNA extractions and qPCR, sequencing, Flow Cytometry, ELISA, PBMC isolation
• Provide detailed observations, analyse data and interpret results
• Maintain records to comply with cGMP standards and ensure accurate and up to date data entry with clear reporting of results
• Ensure work practices comply with the requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act, related legislative requirements and the Institute’s Work Health & Safety (WH&S) policies and procedures
• Assist with laboratory and equipment maintenance duties

About you: 

• Minimum of a Bachelors degree in cell biology or other relevant area plus at least 2 years direct experience
• Extensive experience and demonstrated ability in aseptic tissue culture techniques
• Experience working in research/clinical laboratories and carrying out a wide range of laboratory techniques, including but not limited to DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR/digital PCR, sequencing, Flow Cytometry, ELISA, PBMC isolation and basic microscopy
• Willingness to undertake flexible working hours
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with staff and operate as a valuable team member
• Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and coordinate tasks to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated skills working with and knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
• Participate in preparing and revising documents such as SOPs and laboratory protocols

Remuneration: Salary range is $73,224 to $92,403 p.a. plus super and salary packaging. This is a full-time appointment for 1 year, with the option of renewing.

For further information:  please contact phone Fiona Amante 0419 523 401 or Bridget Barber 0424 737 153

Closing Date:  3 May 2024

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

To submit an application: use the APPLY button. All applicants must supply the following documents: Resume and Cover letter addressing the selection criteria outlined in the Position Description.

What we offer:

• Salary Packaging
• State of the art facilities
• Stimulating work setting focussed on cutting edge medical research
• Supportive/collaborative team environment
• Parental Leave Provisions