The Research Assistant will be working under the supervision of Dr Carlson Tsui whose lab is part of the Precision Immunology Program at Garvan. The successful candidate will work on multiple projects with a focus on understanding the regulation of cytotoxic CD8 T cells in chronic infection and cancer. Cytotoxic CD8 T cells found in cancer or chronic infection are typically maintained in a dysfunctional state (also known as ‘exhaustion’). T cell exhaustion remains a major mechanism for immune evasion in cancer and represents a significant roadblock for immunotherapies. The recent development of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade, has shown promising results in reinvigorating exhausted T cells in cancer patients. However, the specific driver cues and signalling axes that dictate therapeutic responsiveness to ICB remains unknown. We have recently defined a population of precursor of exhausted T cells (T PEX ) with stem-like capacity that resides in secondary lymphoid organs during chronic infection and cancer. These stem-like T PEX cells are not only crucial to maintain prolonged generation of effector cytotoxic T cells, but also key to mediate the response to ICB. We have further identified specific factors derived from the lymph node microenvironment to be essential in driving their metabolic fitness and therapeutic responsiveness. These findings indicate that a successful clinical response to ICB is dictated by specific cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Our research group aims to understand such factors that regulate stem-like T PEX cell differentiation and fitness to improve clinical response to cancer therapy. THE OPPORTUNITY We are seeking a research assistant with strong interest in the topic and background and basic understanding in working in a laboratory conducting biological research, who will be responsible for maintenance of the general laboratory environment and operations, and assist in conducting experiments involved in different projects. The research assistant will b e appointed at up to RA8 level depending on experience , with higher levels expected to be capable of with making collaborative decisions which have an impact on experimental procedures and the smooth running of the lab. Please feel free to contact Carlson Tsui (c.tsui@garvan.org.au) for more details on if you have any questions regarding the job specifics. Salary: Up to $ 109,1 00 14% super salary packaging (depending on experience) Employment Type: 2 year fixed- term contract with possibility to extend SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses $2,650 meals/ accom ) Ample opportunities for on-going training and development Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave Discounted Health Insurance Lifestyle discounts with our community partners WHAT YOU WILL DO The key responsibilities include: Assist with general lab maintenance such as tissue culture, genotyping, maintenance and monitoring of mouse colonies and routine assays Assist with and perform experiments , including handling of mice, tissue harvesting, data acquisition and analysis Participate in meetings with the wider Research Platform community as Be involved in lab responsibilities such as: Store duties, wash-up and cleaning of shared rooms Stock control: monitoring and ordering consumables Media preparation Responsible for imparting knowledge in relation to limited skills or experimental expertise General responsibilities include (applicable to all levels): All staff are required to comply with Garvan’s workplace polices (as amended from time to time) and especially Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy, including working in accordance with the WHS management system at all times, as safety is Garvan’s number one priority. A BOUT YOU The key skills and experience include: Essential Science Bachelors’ Degree (with Honours), background in fields related to Biological Sciences is preferred High level of accuracy and attention to detail Good communication skills and collaborative Experience in working in an immunology laboratory as research assistant (for candidates that will be suitable for RA5 – RA8) Desirable Experience/basic understanding: multiparameter flow cytometry Experience/basic understanding: Immunofluorescent microscopy Experience/basic understanding: mouse models including handling and performing procedures Experience with tissue/molecular techniques e.g. tissue culture, RNA prep, PCR, recombinant protein production Research Assistants within the Garvan are expected to possess the following attributes: Strong commitment to quality. Team-focused approach. High degree of flexibility. Ability to take direction well. Showing ability to time manage. Appropriate prioritisation of workload. Good communication skills. Comfortable with basic decision making ABOUT GARVAN Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision . We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s . Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and o ur enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome. We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease. Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add ’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively. H OW TO APPLY To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.
