The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute is looking for a Research Officer (Stem Cell Biologist) in the Neural Stem Cell Laboratory.
Who We Are
At Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, we share a powerful vision; to re-imagine the future of child health. We are the home to many life-changing scientific discoveries. We believe that no question is too impossible to try and answer. We are renowned for our cutting-edge focus on early interventions, improved diagnosis, prevention, and development of potential cures. Our success is founded on a philosophy of collaboration through a multi-disciplinary approach to solving the toughest questions in child health. Murdoch Children’s is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, equity and respect that celebrates and values the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our people. We strive to foster a positive working environment that is underpinned by equal opportunity for all and consideration for the diverse voices of our people and the communities we serve. Murdoch Children’s is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and is a committed subscriber to Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and its principles.
Job description
MCRI, a world leader in child health research, is looking to hire a Research Officer (Stem Cell Biologist) to join A/Prof. Silvia Velasco’s Neural Stem Cells Laboratory. The Velasco’s Lab is interested in investigating the cellular and molecular pathways involved in human brain development and understanding how their disruption cause neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and epilepsy, as well as devastating childhood neurodegenerative disorders.
As a Research Officer, you will work on projects which involve the development and use of advanced 3D stem-cell derived brain organoid models and cutting-edge single-cell multiomics and imaging approaches, to explore the developmental basis and identify effective therapies for human brain diseases. Our ideal candidate is highly motivated and enthusiastic with critical thinking and excellent verbal and written communication skills. He/she will take part in collaborations with multidisciplinary teams across MCRI and the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Your Responsibilities Include
- Design of experiments, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
- Generating in vitro 3D brain organoid models from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).
- Optimising current organoid protocols, co-culture, and bioengineering methods, to establish models that better mimic the complexity of the human brain.
- Performing standard characterisation of brain organoids by using immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, western-blotting, and imaging analysis.
- Performing high-throughput single-cell multi-omics analysis on brain organoids, including single-cell RNA-sequencing (seq), single-cell ATAC-seq and spatial transcriptomics.
- Performing electrophysiological analysis on brain organoids using multielectrode arrays system (MEA) devices.
- Generating high-quality publications and/or translational outcomes.
- Supervising research assistants and contributing to teaching and examination of students.
- Maintaining accurate research records and contributing to report writing.
Application close: 17 August 2023
Interested and want to learn more about this position please follow the below link.