Salary range from $76,787.21 (R1.1) to $97,081.44 (R2.3) or competitive salary commensurate with experience + superannuation + generous salary packaging Full time, 1 Year Contract with potential opportunity to extendMelbourne About the Baker Institute Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute is an independent, internationally renowned medical research facility. Our work extends from the laboratory to wide-scale community studies with a focus on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. About the Role We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant with experience in research areas related to cardiovascular diseases, mRNA therapeutics and pharmacology to join our Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology lab.The Atherothrombosis & Vascular Biology Laboratory and Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Laboratory pursue a broad range of projects that have the common focus of improving diagnosis and therapy of thrombotic and inflammatory diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke and atherosclerosis. A range of biotechnological methods are used, including cell culture, flow cytometry, recombinant protein design/production, mRNA therapeutics, generation of functionalised nanoparticles/liposomes, flow chamber, intravital microscopy, ultrasound, MRI, various fluorescence imaging systems and various animal models of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, inflammation stroke and myocardial infarction. All of these projects have a strong translational orientation, which is facilitated by several laboratory members (physicians, haematologists, cardiologists) treating patients with haematological and cardiovascular diseases. Several of these research projects resulted in patents that are currently being developed further to ultimately improve the health of patients. Key Duties In this role you will be expected to: Perform and assist with preclinical models, particularly tissue collection followed by cell isolation and preparation for surgical proceduresPerform histological and immunohistological tissue preparation, staining, microscopy as well as critical data analysesProduction of mRNA therapeutics including liponanoparticle productionRecombinant protein productionPerform biological, cell biological and molecular techniques, particularly flow cytometry, immunoblotting and ELISA, as well as RT-PCRResponsible for laboratory maintenance and administrative functions in the context of lab organisation and research documentation. Coordinate, train, and aid other group members in developing improved techniques or proceduresPrepare materials for reports to be written by grant principals and staff on the research project.Record and consolidate research data.Contribute to the production of conference and seminar papers and publications from research. Provide guidance to students in lab work.Assure compliance with quality and safety programs. Skills and Experience Previous experience working as Research Assistant with a proven ability in performing a diverse range of laboratory techniques, ranging from biotechnological methods to pre-clinical and translational science.Relevant Undergraduate degree, Graduate Diploma or equivalent research experience, preferably within the fields of biotechnology and/or pharmacology.Understanding of research areas related to mRNA therapeutics, nanotechnology, molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmacology and cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, and other thromboinflammatory conditions.Microscopy imaging experience including widefield, confocal, intravital, and multiphoton microscopes.Animal handling skills and experience with preclinical mouse models such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and other cardiac diseases A high level of interpersonal skills, which will enable the appointee to liaise effectively with a wide range of people at varied levels internally and externally to the institute.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Demonstrated ability to be a proactive team member and contribute to team development.Excellent planning and organisational skills, including the ability and flexibility to multi-task and coordinate several complex research projects at the same time, working with constantly changing deadlines and priorities, without compromising close attention to detail and accuracy. Benefits Working at the Baker Institute offers generous salary packaging, an employee assistance program, staff gym, and an active social club as well as modern offices and laboratories adjacent to the Alfred Hospital and within walking distance to St Kilda Road, Chapel Street, and Fawkner Park.Remuneration will be commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. How to Apply To apply for the position please submit your application via SEEK quoting reference KP01. Applications should include a current resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria, desired skills and experience and highlight relevant qualifications, special expertise for this role and interest in the position. We are reviewing applications as they are received so if you think you're the right person for this role, we'd love to hear from you. For a position description or further information, please visit our website at: https://www.baker.edu.au/careerTo be eligible to apply for this position you must have an appropriate working right for Australia and you must be immunised with the COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Directions (No 4) and the influenza vaccination (for workers in clinical environments) in accordance with Mandatory vaccination of health care workers (influenza vaccine) directions – Health services establishments.We will close this job ad as soon as we have enough applicants, so please apply without delay. The Baker Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for roles within the Institute. We value diversity, inclusivity, and gender equity and we promote family-friendly practices. We are a proud recipient of an inaugural Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE). Contact Details Idan Ben-Barak Executive Assistant/Research Administration Officer Office of the Deputy Director, Prof Karlheinz Peter (Discovery & Preclinical, and Systems Biology)Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteEmail: (email protected)