Research Officer - The Kirby Institute

Research Officer - The Kirby Institute

• Employment Type: Part - time (14-21 hours a week)
• Duration: Fixed Term contract until 31 December 2027
• Remuneration: $108,021 base pro rata, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading 
• Work rights required: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
• Location: On-Site, Kensington, Sydney

About The Kirby Institute:

The Kirby Institute is a world-leading health research institute at UNSW Sydney. We work to eliminate infectious diseases, globally. Our specialisation is in developing health solutions for the most at-risk communities. Putting communities at the heart of our research, we develop tests, treatments, cures and prevention strategies that have the greatest chance of success.

Details of the role

The Research Officer will provide essential laboratory support for surveillance and research activities focused on multiple neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and other infectious diseases. The role involves conducting laboratory experiments and contributing to research projects that assess the burden of NTDs in endemic settings, evaluate the effectiveness of disease control and elimination strategies, and generate high-quality data to inform public health policy and practice.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful global health research within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team. You will apply a range of laboratory, analytical and project coordination skills to support serosurveillance and infectious disease research, generating high-quality data that informs disease control and elimination strategies. Working with researchers, collaborators and stakeholders, you will play a key role in laboratory operations, data management, reporting and study delivery while helping advance evidence-based public health outcomes.

The role of Research Officer reports to a Post-Doctoral Fellow for all laboratory related work and has no direct reports.

Some key skills required:

• A university degree in infectious diseases or epidemiology or related discipline, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training or experience.
• Experience in molecular and cell biology techniques relevant to infectious disease research, including quantitative qPCR, ELISAs, multi-bead serological assays, and microscopy.
• Perform serological analyses of dried blood spot samples using multiplex bead-based assays (Luminex platform).
• Assist with molecular and immunological laboratory procedures, including qPCR, ELISAs, microscopy, and related assays.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including clinical or research sample inventories and laboratory databases, including platforms such as mySample, and analysis programs such as STATA, GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of research protocols, experimental design and planning as involved in developing research projects and reporting against milestones.
• Manage the technical aspects of databases, including management of biological sample inventories, ensuring accurate tracking, storage, and ensuring research integrity in research databases.
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.

Please refer to the position description for full details.

UNSW Benefits and Culture 

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​ 
• Flexible working ​ 
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​ 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​ 
• Progressive HR practices​ 

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.  

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.

How to apply:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. Please provide a resume and a separate document addressing the skills and experience listed in the Position Description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact

Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate

E:  *********@unsw.edu.au    

Applications close: Wednesday 16th September before 11.30pm Sydney time

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.