• Based in Parkville + hybrid work arrangements
• Part-time (0.8FTE) and 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
• $73,350 - $80,065 + 17% Superannuation

Who are we?

Deakin is a cutting-edge public university in Victoria, revolutionising education with 61,000 students across five campuses: Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront, Warrnambool, and our dynamic online Campus. We're proud to be a progressive and open-minded university, delivering the highest student satisfaction in Victoria and consistently ranked in the top 1% of the world's universities.

About the role:

This role supports preclinical psychiatry research through the design and delivery of behavioural neuroscience experiments in rodent models.

The Research Assistant will work across two major projects: “SYNDICAT: synergy for the development of innovative clinical treatments in schizophrenia” and “Prefrontal dopamine in the dynamic processes of learning across lifetime”. The role involves assisting with behavioural training, tissue collection and sectioning, surgeries, tissue processing (e.g. immunohistochemistry), and microscopy imaging in rodents, as well as supporting broader research activities.

You will contribute to a range of laboratory and administrative tasks across these and other projects within IMPACT, in accordance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. Working closely with investigators and the project team, you will also participate in meetings and support effective communication across the research group.

The role is primarily based at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (Parkville) as an external contractor and occasionally at the Deakin Downtown (Docklands) and the Waurn Ponds campus.

As an Associate Research Fellow, you will:

• Provide assistance towards the organisation of various research support activities and undertake general administrative duties involved in rodent experimentation.
• Execute experiments including but not limited to rodent husbandry, welfare maintenance, behavioural training, tissue collection/sectioning, surgeries, tissue processing (e.g., immunohistochemistry), and microscopy imaging.
• Undertake general administrative duties involved in managing a laboratory.
• Manage or provide significant assistance to the operations of the research laboratory including maintaining laboratory equipment and materials, the disposal of waste and the ordering of supplies
• Data entry and analysis and preparation of results and reports as requested by the manager
• Remain up to date with current literature and methods relevant to the area of responsibilities

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Bachelors in a Neuroscience, Biomedicine, Psychology, Zoology or other related discipline with a and/or other relevant qualifications and experience
• Experience in a variety of preclinical laboratory techniques, with an emphasis on rodent handling and behavioural training experience
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology
• High level planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and set and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team with excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues and proven oral, written communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated skills in the coordination of data collection, database creation, data entry and analysis using Microsoft Office and statistical programs

Desirable:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues and excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop new techniques, to troubleshoot and interpret data

Here's how to apply:

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

Applications for this position close on Thursday 11th June at 11:55pm

Why work with us?

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks:

In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations.

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence. A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.