Research Assistant

Classification: ANU Officer Grade 4 (Research)
Salary package: $75,492 - $81,674 per annum (pro rata) plus 17% superannuation
Term: Part-time, Continuing (contingent funded) (14 hours per week, 0.4FTE)

This position is continuing (contingent funded). The funding that supports this project has an expected end date of 31 March 2027.

The Position

The Research Assistant will provide support to our research team. Key responsibilities will include sorting and photography of insect specimens, maintenance of specimen storage and records, DNA extraction, PCR and MinION sequencing for the DNA barcoding of these specimens, participation in DNA sequence data processing and analysis.

The Research Assistant will also support project delivery, assist in the preparation and ordering of supplies, and provide routine laboratory maintenance and general administrative support.

The Person

The ideal candidate will have completed or be progressing towards a degree, or have relevant experience in a research or support role. Prior experience in DNA extraction, PCR and MinION sequencing, is required. Prior experience in insect DNA barcoding, and experience or willingness to learn insect identification and bioinformatic skills will be highly regarded. They should possess knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, with experience in experimental design, data collection, and data analysis being advantageous. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with proven organizational abilities, are essential for managing competing tasks and working both independently and in teams. Proficiency in MSOffice, especially Excel, is required, and experience with statistical software (e.g. R) and DNA sequence analysis software (e.g. Geneious, Galaxy) will be highly regarded.

For more information about the position please contact Rod Peakall on T: +61 2 6125 0022 E: rod.peakall@anu.edu.au. 

Working at ANU

This is an opportunity to work with a world class University that undertakes cutting edge research and has a strong tradition in research-led teaching excellence.

We offer:

• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid arrangements working both on our beautiful, green campus and working remotely,
• Generous paid parental leave entitlements of up to 32 weeks. We are one of the leading employers in Australia for parental leave entitlements,
• Designated parent rooms, quiet spaces and childcare facilities on campus,
• Career support, training, mentoring & upskilling opportunities.

For more information on a range of lifestyle, financial and non-financial rewards and programs, please click here.

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A Diverse and Inclusive Team

ANU is introducing measures to support the recruitment, inclusion and retention of employees with disability. To find out more, please click here.

ANU is a large, diverse employer with staff working across numerous professions (see the full list of available roles here. We are a recipient of the bronze award through the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) program and a platinum member of the Australian Network on Disability. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities and from individuals who may have had a non-linear career path, career gaps or career breaks.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please upload the following documents:

• A current curriculum vitae (CV), and
• No more than a two page summary addressing your suitability against the selection criteria.

The committee will consider candidates that do not meet one or more aspects of the selection criteria.

If shortlisted, candidates will be asked to complete a:

• 30 minute interview using behavioural interview questions

If you require adjustments to participate in any of the above assessments, please contact our HR team at E: hr.cosm@anu.edu.au or T: +61 2 6125 6147. Any adjustment request or the disclosure of disability will not be communicated to the selection committee without the candidates consent and it will not having any bearing on hiring decisions.

For examples of common reasonable adjustments please click here.

The successful applicant must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.