Molecular Biologist/Senior Molecular Biologist
Job Title
Molecular Biologist/Senior Molecular Biologist
Job Description
An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Officer/Senior Research Officer to join the Genetics and Gene Research Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.
About the Position
This position will be joining a newly established start-up company, exteRNA. You will be developing first-in-class small molecule therapeutics based on a strong foundation in novel RNA biology. This position will join a vibrant multidisciplinary team located in Australia’s leading biomedical research and translation precinct and will be based at WEHI’s Genetics and Gene Research Division in the laboratory of Prof Vihandha Wickramasinghe. Funding for the start-up is organised in 2 tranches starting with an initial 18 month runway.
As a member of the Molecular Biology Team, you will:
1. Drive the development of our RNA biology based platform and therapeutic assets.
2. Test novel therapeutics in cell based and mouse models.
3. Work with WEHI medicinal chemistry team members as well as Contract Research Organisations and other members of the team.
4. Interpret data and contribute to decision making on next steps for the project.
5. Collaborate with and mentor colleagues with diverse technical backgrounds.
We are looking for a curious and driven RNA biologist who is excited to work at the interfaces of biology and drug discovery. In this role, you will be focused on driving both the strategy and execution of cutting-edge molecular and cellular biology approaches to advance our medicinal chemistry efforts across a range of targets. You will be part of a team responsible for progressing advanced lead series as well as pursuing hits from targeted high-throughput screening and advancing them to generate pre-clinical candidates.
Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:
1. A PhD in molecular biology or a related discipline.
2. Significant biotech/industry experience and/or an outstanding academic record that has led to impactful publications.
3. High level of expertise in molecular and cell biology approaches including RNA based approaches, microscopy (high-throughput as well as confocal), and general molecular biology techniques.
4. Rigorous, with attention to detail.
5. Proven organisational skills and accurate record keeping.
Desirable Knowledge and Skills:
1. Prior experience in drug discovery.
2. Prior experience in RNA biology.
Personal Qualities:
1. Outstanding interpersonal communication and leadership skills, with an open, direct and diplomatic approach, including the ability to liaise, mediate and influence at all levels.
2. Ability to create and foster collaborative and productive relationships with multidisciplinary teams and a broad range of stakeholders, internally and externally.
3. An inclusive work style that supports the cooperative culture throughout the institute and that promotes collaboration with the broader sector.
4. High level of energy, enthusiasm and initiative including a commitment to continuous improvement.
5. Enthusiasm for timely delivery of project milestones in a fast-paced team atmosphere.
6. Able to reason through problems and demonstrate an ability to introduce improved and innovative ways of driving projects forward.
Terms of Appointment
This position is available for 18 months in a full-time capacity. Salary is Research Employee (RE) Level A/B dependent on experience ($114,170-135,568). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.
General enquiries can be directed to Vihandha Wickramasinghe - wickramasinghe@wehi.edu.au
How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.
Application Closing Date: 30 October 2024.
About Us
WEHI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI’s ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers. Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.
WEHI’s commitment to Indigenous employment
WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.
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