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Research Assistant Position Available!

Working closely with Co-Centre Director (Prof James Chong), the Research Assistant will assist with experiments investigating heart regeneration. This will include but is not limited to the use of various stem cell populations and other regenerative medicine tools. The role will play an integral part in leading the Cardiac Regeneration laboratory’s push towards clinical translation. The broad goals of this program are to translate basic science from the cardiac regenerative field into therapeutic options for patients with heart failure. The Cardiac Regeneration laboratory is works closely with the Cardiac Gene Therapy laboratory and joint projects between the groups are common.

Reporting to the Co-Centre Director of the Centre for Heart Research, the Research Assistant will work closely with key collaborators within the Westmead campus, across Sydney/Australia and internationally. This will provide opportunities to benefit from the rich and diverse scientific environment through our institute and established collaborations. At times this research group will involve graduate students, undergraduate students and research assistants. The successful applicant will be required to provide positive mentorship.

Some key responsibilities of the position include:

  • Perform procedures for stem cell isolation, propagation/culture and cryopreservation (experience with differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells to cardiomyocytes will be advantageous

  • Assist/perform animal handling/surgery. The group utilises both small and large animal models (experience with myocardial infarction models will be advantageous)

  • Assist with performance of cellular and molecular biology analysis

  • Maintain meticulous records for all experiments and laboratory work.

  • Assist with generation of publications, grants, ethics submissions and progress reports

  • Strive to obtain objectives and performance measures set for the role. Participate positively in performance and development reviews.

  • Comply with WIMR policies and promote an environment that upholds the WIMR Code of Conduct

Desired skills and experience:

Experience

  • Relevant undergraduate degree (e.g. BSc)

  • Experience with cell culture (adult and pluripotent stem cell experience would be advantageous).

  • Experience with various histological and molecular techniques.

Skills/Knowledge

  • Cell culture, flow-cytometry/cell sorting, animal surgery, molecular biology, histology/immunohistochemistry including confocal immunofluoresence.

Behaviours/Attributes

  • Intellectually curious

  • Team oriented

  • Willing to learn

  • Strong writing skills

Benefits of working for The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

  • Competitive salary + salary packaging benefits for a not for profit (NFP).

  • Convenient location close to Westmead Station.

  • Excellent facilities in the Westmead Medical Precinct including an onsite café.

Applications should include a Resume, and Covering Letter addressing the selection criteria.

All applications will be reviewed but only applications that meet the selection criteria will be considered for short-listing.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Sindhu Igoor via sindhu.igoor@sydney.edu.au on behalf of Prof James Chong.

We celebrate and embrace diversity and we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

 
 

PhD Students

The University of Sydney Doctoral Program is a research-intensive course designed to expose you to various aspects of research for career development and learning. You will be expected to perform cutting-edge and innovative research, keep abreast of the current literature to stay on top of current research published in the field, develop and pursue independent projects, perform experiments in the lab, and present in conferences. You can complete the degree in up to 4 years, during which time you will undertake research culminating in the submission of a thesis.

At the Chong Laboratory, we are focused on bringing our research from bench to bedside, if translational research and making an active impact on patients is what interests you, you will find our lab to be the perfect choice for your PhD candidature.  We work with several collaborators all around the world, and we aim to ensure our students acquire a wide repertoire of laboratory techniques.

Our supervisory style places a strong emphasis on great mentorship, with the aim of providing every student with extensive training and plenty of feedback to help mould our students into confident and independent researchers and thinkers who possess good initiative and excellent problem-solving skills.

Experience with the techniques we work with is not essential. It is however essential to be highly motivated with a willingness to learn, to be accepting of feedback, and a team player.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of undertaking a project with our lab for your PhD, please contact us below or email James Chong.

For more information, please see: https://www.sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/pr/doctor-of-philosophy-medicine-and-health0.html

On how to apply, please see: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/postgraduate-research.html

 

Honours Students

We are always on the look-out for motivated and curious students with a strong desire to learn more to come train with our laboratory for an Honours year. If you’re interested in performing research with a focus on bench to bedside translation for an impact on patients, you’d find our lab to be the perfect opportunity for such an experience for your honours.

During this short period, you will receive extensive training and strong support in the lab, learn to perform data analyses, acquire cruicial writing skills, and feedback to help mould you into a researcher who shows initiative with great problem solving skills to help set you up with strong skills for your future career.

If you’re interested in joining our lab and training with us, please contact us below or send an email to James Chong with a copy of your CV, academic transcript, and your research areas of interest.

If you’d like more information on the honours program at Westmead, see: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine/pdfs/medical-science-honours.pdf

5 Reasons to study your honours at Westmead: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/news-and-events/2018/08/01/5-reasons-to-study-honours-in-Applied-Medical-Science-at-Westmead.html



Have a question?

Contact us below, or at cardiacregenerationgroup@gmail.com