Position Overview

The Research Assistant supports a research laboratory or group in the Cancer Plasticity and Dormancy Program at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. This role enhances high‑quality medical research through technical expertise and efficient resource management, on a 2‑year fixed‑term contract.

Salary: up to $80,000 (plus 14% superannuation and salary packaging). Employment type: 2‑year fixed‑term contract, possible extension.

Benefits

- Generous salary packaging (max $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accommodation)
- On‑going training and development opportunities
- Diverse and highly international research environment
- Flexible work arrangements (variable start/finish times)
- 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents (including superannuation)
- Additional leave types (cultural, conference, community service, study)
- Discounted health insurance and lifestyle discounts with community partners

Responsibilities

- Experimental Execution: Perform experiments and analyses (tissue culture, genotyping, routine assays), maintaining robust methods and protocols.
- Optimization: Review protocols and literature to improve or introduce new techniques.
- Technical Advice: Provide guidance on research methods, instruments, and analysis tools.
- Data Integrity: Ensure accurate, high‑quality data compliant with good scientific practice; maintain accessibility.
- Scientific Communication: Report results via written reports and visual formats; assist in research papers, grant applications, and proposals.




- Training & Mentorship: Train students, postdocs, and peers in data collection, specialized instruments, and safety protocols.
- Operational Management: Coordinate consumables, samples, equipment maintenance, internal communications, scheduling, and compliance with open access and funding requirements.
- Project Delivery: Balance multiple research projects and external collaborations to meet deadlines.
- Ethical Conduct: Demonstrate scientific and professional integrity; contribute to committees, outreach, or donor activities.
- Health & Safety: Comply with WHS policies, contribute to risk management, and promote continuous improvement.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s (or Master’s) Degree in Science or Medicine, preferably with Honours.
- At least 1year of experience in cancer cell biology or immunology.
- Experience with animal models of disease and processing human samples.
- Proficiency in cell biology, immunofluorescence, imaging, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques.
- Rapid learning of current techniques, results‑oriented, excellent time‑management, and prioritization skills.
- Innovative and proactive mindset with moderate decision‑making autonomy.
- Desirable: Strong computing skills including basic bioinformatic analysis, especially RNA‑seq; expertise in cancer immunology or tumour microenvironment.

EEO Statement

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and provide equal opportunity employment.

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📌 Research Assistant (City of Sydney)
🏢 The Garvan Institute of Medical Research
📍 City of Sydney