Research Support Officer (Sequencing)

Job no: 0056950
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full time; Fixed-term for 24 months
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Infectious Diseases
Salary: UOM 6 – $89,182 – $96,536  p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About the Department of Infectious Diseases

https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/infectious-diseases

The Department of Infectious Diseases is a recently established department of the Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences that is based at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute). Research within the department encompasses infectious diseases including antimicrobial resistance and healthcare associated infections, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, influenza, viral hepatitis, sexually-transmitted infections, skin pathogens and emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Our researchers come from diverse backgrounds, including discovery research and basic scientists, clinician researchers, epidemiologists, public health physicians and microbiologists.

About the Role
The Research Support Officer will provide technical assistance with sequencing work on research projects within the laboratory of Prof Deborah Williamson and will collaborate closely with the genomics portfolio at the co-located Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL).
The incumbent will have training in clinical microbiology and molecular biology that is inclusive of PCR, real-time PCR, with a specific focus on DNA sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methodologies including metagenomics for pathogenic organisms.

Responsibilities include:

• Plan and carry out sequencing work including training other staff where appropriate, laboratory and administrative processes for biobanking of clinical specimens and microbial isolates.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of sequenced samples including clinical sample databases.
• Analyse and prepare data for experimental reports and communicate data to the supervisor.
• Perform sequencing, including but not limited to PCR and next generation sequencing for the detection of a range of bacterial and viral pathogens.

About You
You possess excellent oral and written communication skills required for building relationships with internal and external collaborators and excellent time management and work ethic required for successful completion of detailed laboratory experiments. You have a demonstrated ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team and interact in a courteous and effective manner with academic, administrative and support staff.

You will also have:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences or other relevant discipline; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Experience in next generation sequencing workflow, PCR and DNA extraction, manuscript and SOP writing, accreditation and quality assurance processes.
• Experience with collection and curation of clinical samples, including database management and laboratory handling of clinical samples and microbial cultures.
• Proficient computer skills related to laboratory operations including Microsoft Word and Excel, and systems to manage central document repositories, such as regulatory and institutional documentation.

To ensure the University continues to provide a safe environment for everyone, this position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.

About the University
The University of Melbourne 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.

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, 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, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits .

Be Yourself
We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. 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 apply with your CV and cover letter outlining your interest and experience.  Please note that you are not required to provide responses against the selection criteria in the Position Description.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected] .

Position Description