Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant

At Garvan, we see a future where all diseases can be prevented, treated or cured. Everyone is touched by disease. Our discoveries today will lead to better health tomorrow.

Research in the Cox Lab (Cancer Matrix & Metastasis) www.matrixandmetastasis.com

Correct regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for correct organ and tissue function. It plays a critical role in normal tissue function and pathological disease progression. Both the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the ECM actively modulate resident cell behaviour making the matrix far more than a passive bystander. In tissue diseases such as cancer, the ECM undergoes significant change. These changes, driven by both tumour and stromal cells, feed into the progression of the disease. As such, changes in the ECM mark significant transition events in disease progression.

Understanding how the changing ECM facilitates tumour progression and metastasis is an important step in the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer. Our research focuses on how ECM remodelling influences cancer progression, therapy response, and metastatic dissemination in solid tumours. Using cell-based, advanced animal models and analysis of human samples, we seek to understand the role of the ECM in tumour progression and develop therapeutic strategies targeting it.

In particular, the Cox Lab has pioneered matrix profiling and targeting approaches to understand how ECM composition and architecture evolve during cancer progression. The team have identified critical matrix elements and features that drive metastatic dissemination and therapy resistance. The team’s research spans pancreatic, lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, with a particular focus on how matrix biochemistry, crosslinking and biomechanical properties modulate tumour progression and response to therapy. This discovery work

translates directly to patients with first-in-class inhibitors and novel matrix targeting approaches advancing into clinical trials at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre. Through strategic partnerships with industry and cutting-edge spatial proteomics capabilities, the Cox Lab operates at the interface of fundamental matrix biology and clinical application, developing anti-stromal co-targeting therapies that enhance therapy efficacy and improve patient outcomes.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The team is looking for an experienced Research Assistant or Senior Research Assistant who will be responsible for maintenance of the laboratory operations, as well as assisting and conducting in vitro and in vivo experiments across multiple projects within the lab.

The candidate will be also responsible for ensuring maintenance of lab supplies, equipment, documentation and databases, as well as experimental procedures and will have close interaction with other post-doctoral scientists, PhD students and Research Assistants in the team, as well as with other members across Garvan and external collaborators.

Salary: Up to $108,200 + 14% superannuation + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 2-year fixed-term , full-time

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS

• Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)

• Ample opportunities for on-going training and development

• Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment

• Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times

• 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation

• A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave

• Discounted Health Insurance

• Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

WHAT YOU WILL DO

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibilities include:

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (merit-based appointment and progression)

• Conducting in vitro (cell culture, molecular biology) and in vivo (tumour models, colony management) experiments across multiple lab projects with high technical standards.

• Contribution to team and Garvan research projects as well as collaborations.

• Communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the team, as well as other Garvan colleagues and external collaborators.

• Provision of assistance in preparation of research grant proposals, including contribution of data.

• Contribution to improvements in research techniques, quantitative methods and quality control.

• Participation in administrative duties of the research group, e.g. oversight of day-to-day lab activities, writing of risk assessments and contributions to improvements in laboratory management workflows.

• Maintenance of laboratory stocks, equipment servicing schedules, chemical waste disposal, maintaining communal consumable stocks and laboratory safety compliance documentation.

• Contribute to the development of research projects and collaborations.

ABOUT YOU

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

The key skills and experience include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (First Class Honours) in science, biology/biomedical or related discipline

• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology and biochemistry techniques including western blotting, immunohistochemistry, qPCR, or proteomic sample preparation

• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to carry out routinely high-quality work

• Strong planning and organisation skills, including maintaining scientific records

• High motivation and level of commitment to achieving scientific goals

• Ability to see opportunities, learn, and apply that learning to drive innovation

• Excellent time management skills and ability to work independently

• The ability to work with other staff in a cooperative manner

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English

Desirable Skills

• Experience in the field of Matrix Biology and/or Cancer Biology

• Experience in quantitative image analysis (i.e. ImageJ/FIJI, Imaris, or similar tools)

• Experience with in vitro cell culture of mammalian cell lines

• Experience with advanced imaging (i.e. confocal microscopy, multiplex IF)

• Experience in overseeing the management of laboratory operations

• Experience in small animal handling and experimentation

• Experience in small animal colony management and breeding

ABOUT GARVAN

Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.

Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.

We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.

Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role and addressing the key skills and experience requirements. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.