- Employment Type: Full Time; 35 hours per week (2 X positions available)
- Duration: Fixed Term until 31 December 2028
- Remuneration: Professional Level 6 $108K - $115K (based on experience) per annum + 17% Super + Annual leave loading
- Location: Kensington, New South Wales
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold unrestricted work rights to be considered for this position.
Position Summary
The Research Officer (Immunology / Vaccinology) contributes to innovative malaria vaccine research within the Baum Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences at UNSW. The role provides specialised technical and research support to the laboratory’s malaria vaccine development program, focusing on the identification, design and evaluation of novel vaccine targets aimed at preventing malaria infection and advancing future therapeutic interventions.
We are seeking to appoint two Research Officers, each bringing specialised technical expertise in one of the following areas:
- Advanced Animal Husbandry: This position will focus on advanced animal husbandry, rodent immunology, immunisation techniques and experimental models of infection, particularly rodent models used in malaria vaccine research. The role will support the design, coordination and execution of immunisation studies, in vivo vaccine testing and infection challenge experiments, including animal handling, monitoring, welfare, ethics compliance and biosecurity requirements. The position will also contribute to experimental data collection (including tissue harvesting and cell sorting), analysis and optimisation of immunisation and infection protocols.
- Advanced Molecular & Cellular Biology: This position will focus on advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques relevant to immunology, molecular medicine and vaccine development. The role will support complex laboratory experiments involving tissue and cell culture, cell sorting, molecular characterisation, antigen identification and isolation, and the investigation of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying immune responses. The position will contribute to experimental design, assay development, optimisation, data analysis and the evaluation of novel malaria vaccine targets.
Working collaboratively with researchers and internal and external stakeholders, both positions will contribute to the design, coordination and execution of research experiments, troubleshooting technical challenges, maintaining research protocols and supporting high standards of laboratory operations, biosecurity and research integrity. The roles will also contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, grant applications and ethics documentation.
The successful candidates will demonstrate advanced technical expertise in their respective areas, strong research and analytical capabilities, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment. We are seeking excellent communicators and proactive, highly organised individuals who can take initiative, solve complex technical problems, manage competing research priorities and contribute to the successful delivery of innovative malaria vaccine research.
These positions offer an opportunity to apply specialised scientific expertise to impactful research aimed at developing effective malaria vaccines and improving global health outcomes.
Both positions report to the Professor and Head of the Baum Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, and have no direct reports.
Some Key Skills Required:
- A university degree in biological, biomedical, or biotechnological science or a related discipline, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training or experience.
- EITHER proven experience in advanced animal husbandry, rodent models of infection, immunization and challenge,
- OR proven experience in advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques relating to cell isolation (tissue harvesting and flow cytometry), advanced in vitro cell culture and cell characterisation (DNA extraction through to single-cell analysis)
- EITHER demonstrated experience of managing rodent immunological models,
- OR demonstrated experience of managing large scale tissue culture programs of research.
- Knowledge of research protocols, experimental design and planning as involved in developing research projects and reporting against milestones.
- Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including LabArchives or other alternative data storage systems.
Please refer to the position description for full details.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:
- Career development opportunities
- 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
- 10 days paid cultural leave per year
- Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here
How to Apply:
Submit your application including your resume & selection criteria online before Sunday 29th November at 11:55pm.
Please note: Applicants must submit a document addressing the selection criteria outlined in the Skills & Experience section of the Position Description. Applications submitted without this document will not be considered.
Pre-Employment Checks:
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.
Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
Get in Touch:
Aarti
a.aarti@unsw.edu.au
Talent Acquisition Associate
Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. 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.
