Senior Research Officer - Biological Specimen Preparation Laboratory

The Opportunity

• Diverse team working together on multidisciplinary projects, fostering innovation and life-long learning
• Impactful research projects in histology, spatial proteomics, and more, with opportunities for collaboration nationally and internationally.
• $106,351 - $115,103 (depending on exp.) + 17% super + leave loading
• Full-time (35 hours week), permanent role

The Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility operates within the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre in the Division of Research & Enterprise at UNSW. The facility supports specimen preparation and access to various light and optical instrumentation and associated expertise and collaborates with various research groups at UNSW and groups at other universities and research institutes in Australia and overseas.

Reporting to the Head of the KGLMF, this key role supports research projects as part of a multidisciplinary team of experts. You’ll provide technical services and assistance within the core facility to a range of projects across the university and its affiliates, including the contribution and application of knowledge in the areas of Histology, Specialised Specimen Preparation, Microtomy and Spatial Proteomics.

The Organisation

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re Australia’s number one university for impact and among the nation’s Top 20 employers.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to benefits including:

• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements
• Affordable on-campus parking

About the successful applicant:

You have a university degree in biomedical based science or related discipline, and or at least 5 years experience in histology laboratories with a focus on biological specimen preparation, and can demonstrate the following skills and experience: -

• Expertise and ability to provide specialised research support with FFPE and CRYO embedding, microtomy and frozen sectioning of human and animal tissues (including bone, brain, liver and cancerous tissue) and experience with development of protocols for special histology staining (e.g. Picrosirius red, Luxol fast blue and Gram)
• Ability to develop and troubleshoot immunohistochemistry protocols for the preparation of cells and tissue for light microscopy; including but not limited to; chromogenic IHC, immunofluorescence and spatial proteomics. Experience with automated Bond RX immunostaining system highly desirable.
• Working with a range of computer systems and applications, including electronic laboratory notebook such as LabArchives and use of laboratory management system ACLS or similar.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities (both written and verbal), demonstrating a proven capacity to engage and foster strong collaborative connections with internal and external stakeholder while exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Experience in training staff and undergraduate or postgraduate students in biological specimen preparation techniques.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, demonstrating a proven capacity to evaluate and make well-informed decisions regarding issues encountered in experimentation.
• Strong time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively and productively within a team and multidisciplinary research environment while also taking initiative and working independently to manage competing demands of project planning, operation and maintenance of scientific equipment.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training and experience with implementing required health and safety policies and safe work practices

To apply: If supporting users of the Biological Specimen Preparation laboratory is of interest to you, please submit your CV and Cover Letter, addressing Skills and Experience required in the Position Description.

Applications close: 11:55pm, Sunday 30^th June 2024

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.