POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant (Malaria Team)

DIVISION / SECTION: Global and Tropical Health
SUPERVISOR: Senior Research Officer & Malaria Research Officer
CLASSIFICATION LEVEL: Academic Level A
SALARY RANGE: $66,125 - $87,058
(Initial appointment will be $66,125 - $81,617)
STATUS (FTE): Full-time
NO. OF POSITIONS REPORTING DIRECTLY: 0
NO. OF POSITIONS REPORTING INDIRECTLY: 0

ABOUT MENZIES:
Menzies School of Health Research is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes
dedicated to improving Indigenous, global and tropical health. Menzies has a history of over 30 years
of scientific discovery and public health achievement. Menzies works at the frontline, joining with
partners across the Asia-Pacific as well as Indigenous communities across northern and central
Australia.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The primary role of this position will be to undertake cellular and molecular laboratory assays relevant
to malaria research, including anti-malarial drug resistance assays and genetic procedures, and to
assist with general laboratory maintenance. The research activities will be undertaken with members
of the Global and Tropical Health Division and external collaborators.

This position will require international travel to Indonesia and other field sites (2-4 times per year up
to 8 weeks at a time).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Routine application of ex vivo anti-malarial drug susceptibility assays for Plasmodium laboratory
strains and patient isolates, and participation in data management & analysis and quality control
procedures pertaining to the anti-malarial drug susceptibility testing projects at Menzies field
sites.
2. Development and routine application of genetic assays for clinical and epidemiological malaria
studies, including parasite genotyping, molecular species differentiation, and identification of
molecular markers of parasite resistance. This entails application of a range of molecular
techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, standard PCR, Real-time PCR, capillary sequencing,
molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis etc.
3. Assist with assays for related projects pertaining to the pathophysiology and immunology of
malaria and other tropical infectious diseases in the Asia-Pacific region.
4. Facilitate logistical aspects of projects (i.e., shipment of laboratory reagents & consumables and
patient samples) where required, providing assistance to the Head Technician and Laboratory
Manager.
5. Travel internationally to the Global and Tropical Health Division and external collaborators’ field
sites and laboratories in the Asia Pacific region to assist with capacity building procedures
including laboratory set-up, establishment of laboratory assays and local staff training and
supervision. This requires communicating in Bahasa Indonesia with local field and laboratory
staff and clinicians.
6. Translate between Bahasa and English at weekly project management teleconferences between
Menzies researchers and local collaborators.
7. Translate standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratory protocols and other study-related
documents from Bahasa to English.
8. Training and supervision of visiting students and scientists from overseas collaborator’s
institutions and laboratories.
9. Active participation in the day-to-day laboratory maintenance including the maintenance of
laboratory equipment as per the rosters prepared by the Laboratory Manager.
10. Attend and participate in team meetings and presentations as requested.
11. Observing the ethical guidelines and practices required by the School. Strictly observing all
safety and other workplace guidelines and procedures. Observing financial and administrative
guidelines and assist with planning where required.
12. Participating in reporting research progress including writing reports, giving seminars, etc., as
appropriate.
13. Participating in staff development and training programs.
14. Any other tasks as reasonably required by the supervisor, manager and/or Director.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential:
1. Bachelor of Science or equivalent, or relevant experience combined with a suitable tertiary
qualification.
2. Laboratory experience and knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety along with a
demonstrated commitment to quality control.
3. Demonstrated ability to undertake laboratory assays with the highest care, skill, rigour and
attention to detail as well as an interest in developing and troubleshooting laboratory assays.
4. Demonstrated capacity to develop expertise in research to undertake tasks with increased
autonomy.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team, as well as good cross-cultural
communication skills.
6. Excellent organisational and time management skills.
7. Ability to assist with logistical aspects of the field research along with the ability to travel to
Indonesia and other field sites, when required (2-4 times per year up to 8 weeks at a time).
8. Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia.
9. High proficiency in written English and Bahasa Indonesia.
10. The ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultures.
11. An understanding and awareness of relevant Workplace Health and Safety as well as Equal
Opportunity principles and legislation along with a commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe
workplace for all Menzies staff, students, volunteers and visitors.

Desirable:
1. Experience in sterile working techniques.
2. Experience in cell culture.
3. Experience in methods of molecular biology.
4. Experience with the use and maintenance of databases.
5. Skills in data analysis.
6. Ability to obtain and maintain a Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card).

Approved by Human Resources 20 December 2017

 Research Assistant - RA1 to RA6

Minimum Value Maximum Value

PACKAGE COMPONENT RA1 RA6
($) ($)

Gross Salary (position advertised as Academic

$ 66,125.00 $ 81,617.00
Level A, RA1 - RA6)

Superannuation (14% superannuation

contribution depends on employee contributing $ 9,257.50 $ 11,426.38
3% of pre tax salary)
Salary Packaging Grossed Up (Based on
utilising the full $15,900 salary packaging
$ 9,844.27 $ 9,764.89
component plus the $2,550 Meal Entertainment
Card.)

Leave Loading (Payable on the last pay before

$ 1,330.95 $ 1,639.00
Christmas (first year will be a pro rata payment)

Total Salary Package $ 86,557.73 $ 104,447.27