Isolation, purification, culturing and cryopreservation of primary cells from human samples

Transcription

1 Research Technician Position description Position title: Research Technician Classification: HEW 5 Division/Department: Molecular Genetics of Cancer Work location: Parkville Position reference: WEHI/CADG Employment type: Contract Remuneration range: $68,148 - $78,277 Further information: Daniel Gray dgray@wehi.edu.au Position reports to: Laboratory Head Closing date: 27 April 2018 Positions reporting to this one: None Position overview We are seeking a bright and motivated individual for a Research Technician position in the laboratory of Associate Professor Daniel Gray. The Gray laboratory specialises in basic immunology and cancer research. The research technician will provide assistance to the human translational research effort of the laboratory, supporting a new technological approach called mass cytometry. Key responsibilities include: Isolation, purification, culturing and cryopreservation of primary cells from human samples Administration and management of patient sample repositories Ability to work carefully, accurately and consistent with instruction or protocol Performing basic data analysis Maintaining antibody/reagent stocks and supplies Training will be provided for the different aforementioned experimental techniques, and prior expertise will be considered favorably. The appointee will have a bachelor degree in science or a related discipline. and impeccable organisational skills. Page 1 of 6

2 Organisational environment The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research The institute, established in 1915, currently houses 15 research divisions, containing around 81 laboratories and around 1,000 staff and students, with an annual budget of approximately $100 million (AUD). The institute s research focuses on cancer (breast, cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, lung cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer), infectious disease (malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis) and chronic inflammatory and immune diseases (coeliac disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and transplantation) and continues a strong tradition of collaboration and interdisciplinary programs. The institute has a strong national and international reputation for performing highly influential research and for translation that leads to long term improvements in disease, diagnosis and treatment. The institute s main laboratories are located within the Parkville precinct, a vibrant hub for life science research, education and healthcare provision. In addition, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Biotechnology Centre is located 30 minutes from Parkville at La Trobe University s R&D Park in Bundoora. The Biotechnology Centre features facilities for high-throughput chemical screening, medicinal chemistry, antibody production and malaria containment. The centre also functions as an incubator for the institute s biotechnology companies. Organisational objectives Discovery and translation To make discoveries that shape contemporary scientific thinking, increase understanding and improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, immune disorders and infectious diseases. Education and training To educate and train world class scientists and to attract, develop and retain the best and brightest workforce. Organisational culture To provide a vibrant and inspiring organisational culture that encourages, promotes and rewards excellence, collaboration, innovation, creativity and respect. Engagement To engage with our stakeholders to improve outcomes, building support and secure resources for medical research. Sustainability To build infrastructure, professional services and funding that sustains our research and maximises the time our scientists can spend making discoveries. Page 2 of 6

3 Organisational values Pursuit of excellence Integrity and mutual respect Collaboration and teamwork Creativity Contribution to society Accountability Key responsibilities Activities Performing Experiments Diligent and safe sterile cryopreservation of human blood samples using established protocols. Titrations of antibodies for flow cytometry and mass cytometry using established protocols. Careful and safe execution of experiments involving flow cytometry/mass cytometry of primary mouse tissues or human cells using established protocols. Typical experiments will require tissue dissection, processing, labelling with antibody conjugates and data acquisition. Data acquisition, storage and analysis, including analysis of flow cytometry data using the FlowJo software package and other tasks using basic IT packages (i.e. Word, Excel, Powerpoint). Performance Indicators Effective and efficient operation of the work unit as showed by completion of the work in a timely and accurate manner. Adaptability to learn new skills and techniques. Technical Service Undertake experimental work as directed in accordance with established protocols. Maintain all stock solutions and technical equipment in good order. Maintain careful storage and records of cryopreserved human samples Contribute to the efficient operation of the work unit. Accurate and timely experimental work. Availability of materials at the required standards. Page 3 of 6

4 Laboratory Maintenance Maintain stock solutions, reagents and equipment in good order Maintain laboratory record and databases of reagents Assist with maintaining the record of all hazardous chemicals, ensuring their safe storage in the laboratory, and for maintaining safe and good laboratory practice Assist in teaching graduate students and other technical staff general molecular and cell biology techniques. Supervision of PC2 Rooms (biosafety, maintaining stocks) Communication Liaise with laboratory members, including supervisors. Effective communications of data/results to supervisors and colleagues. Ability to work well in a team. Ensure that the laboratory complies with biosafety and other statutory regulations Ensure that reagents can be readily accessed for the efficient running of the laboratory Training of students and technical support staff Weekly reporting of experimental outcomes and data with the Laboratory Head and Senior Postdoctoral Researcher and discussion. Ability to work through technical problems with supervisor, lab members and other collaborators. Key Relationships/Interactions Lab Head receive instructions on experiments, and report back results/problems/issues Lab Members work with other lab members, including students, as directed by Lab Head Mouse Room Staff liaise closely to ensure mouse colony quality Other Divisional RT s receive advice on any unfamiliar procedures etc Division Heads receive instructions on Divisional matters Key Challenges Performing high quality laboratory assays both cell biology and molecular biology Keeping accurate and timely records of experiments conducted Maintaining a safe working environment, in compliance with guidelines Keeping laboratory supplies and inventories up to date Maintaining overall control (with Laboratory/Division Heads or post-doctoral scientist) of mouse breeding colonies Freedom to Act The majority of experiments will follow established protocols, and you will determine how to optimise workflow, priorities etc for a given day or week, as appropriate. Able to work effectively and independently with minimal supervision required. Able to resolve problems and achieve objectives while taking guidance from subject matter experts. Page 4 of 6

5 Key selection criteria Personal qualities Passion to contribute to medical research using cutting-edge techniques and pre-clinical models. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a small team and meet deadlines Ability to work as part of a team using experimental protocols established in the lab and the division Willing to take direction and have progress reviewed through regular meetings with the Lab Head and with other key lab members Ability to contribute ideas and demonstrate initiative to progress experiments Knowledge and skills BSc(Hons) or equivalent degree Proficiency in sterile cell culture and flow cytometry Animal handling skills (desirable) Handling human samples Page 5 of 6

6 Occupational Health and Safety Comply with institute Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. Take reasonable care of own safety and the safety of others around. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety devices appropriately. Report all hazards, incidents and injuries. Attend training programs as documented in individual training needs matrices. How and where to apply Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter, current resume and three referees to jobapplications@wehi.edu.au quoting the position number WEHI/CADG. Please address each of the key selection criteria separately in a written document. Diversity The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The institute encourages and welcomes interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for roles within the institute. Privacy notification The collection and handling of declarations and personal information relevant to your employment will be consistent with the requirements of the Privacy Act Page 6 of 6