The Connie Johnson Breast Cancer Research Laboratory is a translational breast cancer research group focused on understanding therapy resistance and developing improved therapeutic strategies using preclinical models, including patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The laboratory combines in vivo studies, molecular biology, and translational oncology approaches to support clinically relevant cancer research.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Animal Research Assistant will support preclinical breast cancer research with a strong focus on animal-based studies and PDX models. The role involves assisting with animal monitoring, in vivo procedures, sample collection, and study coordination, while also providing basic laboratory support related to translational oncology research. This position contributes to the delivery of high-quality and ethically conducted research outcomes.
Salary: Up to $67,500 + 14% superannuation + salary packaging (depending on experience)
Employment Type: 2 year maximum term contract with possibility to extend
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
The key responsibilities include:
Support animal-based experiments and PDX studies in accordance with Garvan animal ethics and welfare standards.
Monitor mouse welfare, health, and behaviour, and report abnormalities to senior staff as required.
Assist with routine in vivo procedures including dosing preparation, injections, oral gavage, anaesthesia, tissue collection, euthanasia, and post-mortem procedures following appropriate training.
Maintain accurate animal records, sample tracking systems, and experimental documentation.
Coordinate animal arrivals, breeding records, and study-related administrative tasks.
Assist with preparation of animal ethics documentation, data collection, and research outputs.
Support basic mammalian cell culture activities including media preparation, thawing, passaging, and maintenance of cell lines.
Prepare laboratory reagents, drug stocks, working solutions, and serial dilutions for experimental studies.
Assist with simple plate-based assays including cell viability and drug response assays.
Support routine laboratory organisation including stock management, reagent preparation, and maintenance of shared laboratory spaces.
Work collaboratively with researchers, students, and animal facility staff to support research activities and project milestones.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of animal ethics, monitoring procedures, and WHS requirements.
Participate in training, professional development, and laboratory meetings.
ABOUT YOU
The key skills and experience include:
Relevant qualifications in animal technology, biomedical science, laboratory science, or a related discipline (preferred).
Previous experience working with rodents in a research setting.
Strong commitment to animal welfare and ethical research practices.
Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, handling, and monitoring procedures.
xperience or willingness to learn in vivo techniques including injections, oral gavage, anaesthesia, and tissue collection.
Basic laboratory skills including preparation of reagents, media, and experimental solutions.
Previous exposure to mammalian cell culture or plate-based assays is desirable.
Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
Interest in cancer biology, translational research, and preclinical models is desirable.
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. 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.
The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) has been providing outstanding care for Victoria's children and their families for over 147 years.
We are the major specialist paediatric hospital in Victoria and our care extends to children from Tasmania, southern New South Wales and other states around Australia and overseas.
With a passionate, highly skilled and committed staff campus wide of over 5,000, we provide a full range of clinical services, tertiary care and health promotion and prevention programs for children and young people.
We are the designated state-wide major trauma centre for paediatrics in Victoria and a Nationally Funded Centre for cardiac and liver transplantation.
When it comes to training and research we partner with the very best. Our campus partners, the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) and The University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, along with the RCH Foundation, are on site with the hospital in Parkville. Together, we are committed to improving the health outcomes for children today and in the future.
In 2016–17, more than 85,654 children attended our Emergency Department, 322,291 specialist clinic appointments were held which was almost 70,000 more than the previous year, more than 17,000 surgeries were performed and more than 48,552 children were admitted to our wards.
