The Research Officer 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 specific projects that ultimately aim to understand the regulation of cytotoxic CD8 T cell function in chronic infection, cancer and during immunotherapy. 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 (TPEX) with stem-like capacity that resides in secondary lymphoid organs during chronic infection and cancer. These stem-like TPEX 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, thus supporting the notion that a successful clinical response to ICB is underpinned by specific cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Our research group aims to characterise and understand the events that take place during ICB both on a cell-intrinsic and extrinsic level. Moreover, we aim to understand how these events collectively impact exhausted T cell differentiation. We will employ single-cell transcriptomics, spatial analyses and CRISPR-Cas9-based gene targeting approach to elucidate the signalling cues and cellular networks that operate within the microenvironment in which stem-like TPEX cells are maintained, and explore how we can exploit these cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors to develop novel therapeutic modalities. We are seeking applicants for the position of Research Officer. The candidate will have a PhD in relevant topics and strong interest in the intersection between immunity and immunotherapy. Please feel free to contact Carlson Tsui (c.tsui@garvan.org.au) for more details on if you have any questions regarding the project specifics. THE OPPORTUNITY The Research Officer, Level 1 to 3, is accountable for conducting independent experiments within their Research Platform in a collaborative framework with their supervisor. In principle, an RO conducts research work under guidance from a more senior scientist and they would be demonstrating increasing independence as they progress from RO1 to RO3. Salary: Up to $117,400 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: Main contributor to research projects, and progress in an efficient and timely manner Contribute to publication under joint authorship in peer-reviewed journals Contribution to team and Garvan research projects Presentation of original research at national/ international scientific conferences, and as invited to seminars locally and/or nationally Co-supervision and mentoring of students and junior research staff Provision of supervisory assistance in preparation of research grant proposals, including the contribution of data Contribute to development and optimisation in techniques, quantitative methods and quality control Contribute to funding applications Additional responsibilities (for senior entry): Participate in administrative duties of the research group, e.g. oversight of day-to-day lab activities Participated in communication of science to the public, via public seminars and media interviews Leading development of research projects and collaborations General responsibilities (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. ABOUT YOU The general experience requirements are as follows, however this alone is not sufficient. Research Officers (RO) are appointed within the RO 1-3 scale based on their skills, experience and achievements, as well as the scope and demands of the position to which they are appointed. RO1 - Less than one year postdoctoral experience, however this alone is not sufficient RO2 - At least one year postdoctoral experience, however this alone is not sufficient RO3 - At least two years postdoctoral experience, however this alone is not sufficient Key skills and experience include: PhD or MD in a relevant area Extensive experience with wet laboratory techniques is expected Strong problem solving and analytical skills Have a strong commitment to continuous delivery of high-quality work Have excellent communication skills for written reports and oral presentations Demonstrate a capacity to work collaboratively with researchers across laboratories Be well organised and a good time manager with sound administrative abilities 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 our 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. HOW 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.
