Research Assistant - [Archived Advertisement]

Research Assistant

Cartherics is a new, privately owned biotechnology company, focused on developing cutting edge technologies to empower the immune system to specifically target and eradicate cancer. The focus technology is the ground- breaking technology: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T), which have a profound ability to seek and destroy cancer cells. The company has 10 full-time research staff, an Executive Assistant and several expert advisors and is closely linked to the Hudson Institute of Medical Research. It is supported by strong private investment and two recently awarded, highly prestigious government grants: Victorian Government Medical Research Acceleration Award to promote the implementation of a CAR-T clinical trial and a Commonwealth Government CRC-P grant to develop a next generation immune- cell therapy “as an off the shelf “product for treating gastric and ovarian cancers. The company’s labs and offices are located in the MHTP Building, next to the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton 3168.

The applicant will have experience in, or a demonstrated willingness to learn, a range of research techniques with relevance to one or more of the key Cartherics platforms: molecular design, construction and production of the CAR’s; gene transduction to create CAR-T cells, functional analysis of CAR-T cells (in vitro and in vivo); differentiation of T cells (including CAR-T cells) from stem cells (especially iPSC).

These techniques will not be limited to, but will involve, one or more of the following:

1. The numerical and functional expansion of CAR-T cells in vitro, as well as the panels of cells lines which are being used as the targets of CAR-T cell killing both in vitro (xCelligence) and in vivo assays using immunodeficient (NSG) mice.
2. The isolation, analysis and cryopreservation of T cells derived from human blood. Flow cytometry, cell sorting, cytokine arrays, ultrasterile tissue culture ultimately in GMP/GLP conditions.
3. Growth, expansion, and gene editing and directed differentiation of iPSC to create cells with stable, functional CAR integration. This involves extensive experience with molecular biology and tissue culture with particular focus on the demands of iPSC culture and analysis.
4. The induction of T cells from CAR-T/ TCR specific stem or progenitor cells in vitro using mimics of thymus-based T cell genesis; functional analysis of safety and specificity. This involves tissue culture, flow cytometry, in vitro and in vivo T cell cytotoxicity assays (which involves animal handling).
5. The design, production and testing of CAR gene constructs, Lenti-viral growth and transduction, and CRISPR/Ca9 gene editing.

The applicant will also: 

• work in with the other research staff and students to ensure smooth running of the laboratory environment; 
• have well developed organisational skills required for managing and ordering of reagents; data management and documentation of standard operating procedures; the ability to set priorities, manage time, plan work to meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure;
• have excellent problem-solving abilities including appraisal and improvement of laboratory practices;
• be proactive in providing informed advice in relation to experimental planning and technologies;
• have experience in ethics, OHS and other regulations relevant to medical research; 
• assist in PC2 adherence, waste management and safety;
• understand the requirements and confidentialities for corporate funded research;
• have strong computer literacy, including the ability to learn and adopt new software packages as required; assist in data presentation for manuscripts and oral presentations.

Salary Range: $69,000 - $96,000 + 9.5% superannuation commensurate with experience and qualification.

Applicants should submit their CV with nominated referees together with a letter outlining their suitability, to Karen Loudon at karen.loudon@hudson.org.au.

Position closes: 7 August 2020.