About Walter & Eliza Hall Institute

The Institute is one of Australia’s leading biomedical research organisations, with a strong national and international reputation for performing highly influential basic and translational research. With more than 1,100 staff and students, the Institute is addressing some of the major health challenges of our time, with a focus on cancer, infection, inflammation, immune disorders, development and ageing.

About The Position

The role will form part of a new multidisciplinary team of five scientists working in an exciting new drug discovery collaboration between the WEHI and a global pharmaceutical company.

The successful applicant will assist in: production of high-quality recombinant proteins across collaboration projects; preparation and crystallisation of protein complexes structural studies; development and implementation of innovative biophysical assays to assess small molecule/protein interactions or protein enzymatic activity; structural studies of protein/ligand complexes (primarily using X-ray Crystallography, amongst other structural methods). The applicant may also periodically assist with maintenance of mammalian cells in culture or running in vitro cell-based assays (under guidance).

The ideal candidate will have experience in multiple aspects of protein biochemistry including cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification. Some experience in assay development or interaction studies using biophysical methods (e.g. SPR, ITC, BLI, TR-FRET, FP assays) and/or mammalian cell culture in PC2 (Physical Containment category 2) facilities would be preferred, but are not essential. Knowledge of drug discovery or mass spectrometry-based proteomics would be advantageous but is not essential.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• A relevant Bachelor’s Degree (with Honours / Masters) qualification or equivalent
• Demonstrated high level skills in molecular biology and biochemistry - including construct design, cloning, recombinant protein expression, purification (using AKTA systems) and characterisation (including SDS-PAGE, Western Blot). In addition to bacterial expression, experience in insect cell expression would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability and potential for excellence and productivity in research.
• Outstanding organisational skills and a high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to execute experiments accurately and with high competence and to analyse, summarise and effectively communicate research data.
• Demonstrated ability to and to problem-solve within a team environment.

Terms of appointment

This position is available for 1 year in a full-time capacity in the first instance, with the possibility to extend up to 3 years. Salary is HEW 5 ($70,971 - $81,520) or HEW 6 ($82,321- $89,108), depending on experience. Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to Dr Michael Roy (roy@wehi.edu.au) or Prof John Silke (silke@wehi.edu.au)

A position description is available

How To Apply

Please email your application including cover letter, CV and a letter addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format to jobapplications@wehi.edu.au, quoting reference WEHI/ANMRJS290121 in the subject line.

Application closing date: 26 February 2021

Note: Applications may begin to be considered as they are received