Research Assistant – Unsw Medicine & Health

• Employment Type: Full Time, Fixed Term to 31st May 2026 (35-hour week)
• Remuneration: Level 5 position ($85,717 - $96,992 + 17% Superannuation)
• Location: St George Hospital, NSW

Why Your Role Matters:

Established in 2017, UNSW Microbiome Research Centre (MRC) is Australia’s first research centre solely dedicated to studying the microbiota in health and disease. The Liver Cancer Research Group at the MRC, St George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine was awarded a large grant for the study of microbial-based biomarkers for early detection of liver cancer. The research program commenced in 2022 and is ongoing until 2026. It is a multi-site consortium composed of teams across NSW and Victoria. The project is undertaken in collaboration with UNSW, the Centenary Institute (Sydney), The Alfred Hospital (Melbourne), CSIRO and Murdoch University (Western Australia).

The Research Assistant will be involved in various aspects relating to biospecimen collection, processing, storage, scheduling and transport for the Microbiome Research Centre (MRC). The Research Assistant will support researchers by organising the collection of blood and microbiome samples as well as clinical data from study participants. The Research Assistant will be responsible for collecting and capturing all patient details and clinical data in online databases. Monitoring of enrolled patients is required, to ensure that samples are received accordingly for the purpose of the longitudinal study. The Research Assistant will process and store study samples, perform DNA extractions and coordinate transport logistics of samples to the respective institutions for analysis. This position will be based at the St George Hospital; however, occasional travel may be required to other participating sites in Sydney.

Accountabilities:

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Accountabilities)

• Provide clinical support to research projects, through the gathering, processing and storage of clinical samples obtained from site staff (liver tissue, oral swabs, stool and blood) according to the study protocol.
• Collect and collate clinical data and enter relevant information into REDCap databases, with respect for patient privacy principles.
• Facilitate data collection via the administration of study surveys.
• Coordinate transport logistics of samples between participating sites and for analysis.
• Ensure that samples are received accordingly and logged on the database.
• Perform DNA extractions on samples for subsequent metagenomic sequencing under direction of senior researchers.
• Provide administrative and laboratory support to other liver cancer research projects, as required.

Who You Are:

To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Skills and Experience)

• Relevant university degree in a relevant field (medical science, basic science), or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training and experience.
• Previous experience in liaising with patients and/or the collection/processing of clinical samples will be desirable.
• Previous experience in a Microbiology/Molecular Biology laboratory environment.
• Basic skills in Molecular Biology, including nucleic acid extractions and purification.
• Demonstrated computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Any experience in database administration/management will be an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Willingness to attend relevant training courses as required by the hospital.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

How to Apply:

The successful applicant will submit both a CV and Cover Letter online before Thursday 5th December 2024 by 11:30pm. Please ensure your Cover Letter addresses the core selection criteria for this position (Cover Letter no more than 1-2 pages).

Contact for recruitment queries:

Applications that are sent directly to the contacts below will not be accepted.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Barbra Toplis at b.toplis@unsw.edu.au

If you have any queries about the recruitment process, please contact Allyssar Hamoud at a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.