Research Scientist

About the Organisation

The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research is a not-for-profit research institute and an internationally recognised leader in research, clinical diagnosis and treatment. With a world-class team and network of researchers, clinicians and support staff we are committed to improving the respiratory and sleep health of all Australians. The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research is ranked as the leading respiratory and sleep research organisation globally.

Benefits

• Salary packaging options (up to $15,900 tax-free)
• Meals and entertainment allowance of up to $2,650
• Opportunity to join Australia’s leading respiratory and sleep research organisation 
• Being part of a dedicated team with a culture of collaboration
• New modern office in Macquarie Park (within Macquarie University precinct) and across the road from Macquarie Centre
• Easily accessible by public transport

About the Role

This is a one-year contract.

Join our team at Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and contribute to pioneering research aimed at improving treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients. We are seeking a full-time Research Scientist with cancer research experience in a PC2 lab environment working with cell line cultures and patient specimens.

The core focus will be on applying recent discoveries on the human microbiome to improve the treatment of lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

This role will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the intricate relationship between the human microbiome, antibiotics, drug therapies and lung cancer.

Key Responsibilities

• Molecular Analysis: Conducting in-depth molecular analyses to investigate the effects of drug and antibiotic combinations on lung cancer cells.
• Innovation: Developing innovative microbiome-based diagnostic tests tailored for routine application in hospital settings, with the aim of enhancing early detection and personalized treatment strategies for lung cancer patients.
• Collaborative Research: Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams of researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to integrate microbiome insights into clinical practice and drive translational research efforts.
• Publication and Presentation: Contributing to the dissemination of research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and scientific forums to advance scientific knowledge and shape future research directions.

Essential Criteria

• Ph.D., Masters or BSc (Hons) in Cancer Biology, Molecular Genetics, or a related field.
• Expertise in molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, gene expression analysis, and sequencing.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics analysis tools and statistical methods for microbiome data analysis is desirable but not essential.
• You must have experience in molecular techniques such as PCR, sequencing and western blotting.
• Excellent communication skills and a proven track record of collaborative research.
• Passion for translational research and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on cancer patient care.

How to apply

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please apply by sending your CV and Cover Letter (including responses to the selection criteria above and a summary demonstrating experience in all key responsibility areas) via Seek. Professor Maija Kohonen-Corish will only contact the selected applicants for more information.

Please Note

The Woolcock Clinic is a private health facility that follows the Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Workers) Order 2022: Health care workers will need to have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Working Rights

Applicants must have valid working rights in Australia.

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Research Scientist?
• Have you completed a qualification in science?
• What's your expected annual base salary?