Assistant Research Fellow

at  University of Otago

WHO WE ARE/KO WAI MĀTOU

Since its establishment in 1905 the Department of Physiology has grown to become one of the largest Departments in the University, being home to approximately 100 staff. We make major contributions to the undergraduate and postgraduate education of students in science, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, medical lab sciences, nutrition, and physical education.
The Department is internationally known for its outstanding contribution to new knowledge in various physiological areas (e.g. neurophysiology, cell physiology and cardiovascular physiology) and has a strong track record for being successful with the acquisition of highly competitive overhead-funded research grants.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE/KĀ PŪKEKA ME KĀ WHEAKO

To be successful in the role you will:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in physiology or a relevant related field (preferably with Honours).
• Preferably have 3 years laboratory experience.
• Have experience with cell culture work.
• Have experience with bacterial transformation, DNA purification and mammalian cell transfection.
• Possess strong computer literacy skills.
• Have excellent attention to detail - accurate and meticulous work ethic.
• Work well independently and as a team member.
• Have strong organisational and time management skills.
• Have effective communication skills.

FURTHER DETAILS/PŪROKO

This is a part-time (0.3 FTE), fixed term position for 36 months, located in Dunedin.
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this job.
The salary for this position is starting at scale ARF05 $67,076 with the ability to progress over the course of the project. The position is available from 1 May 2024. Working hours can be organised on a flexible schedule and can be adapted on request.
If you are looking for an exciting new opportunity and would like to learn more about joining our team, then please contact Associate Professor Martin Fronius via the contact details.

THE ROLE/TE MAHI

The Assistant Research Fellow will provide research support and assistance in a biomedical research laboratory for the project “Regulation and function of ion channels involved in vasopressin release” under the supervision of Associate Professor Martin Fronius.

In this role you will work in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and his team to successfully complete the project (ending March 2027). This includes the following tasks:

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and assist with the isolation of primary cells.
• Synthesise DNA (bacterial transformation, DNA purification and site directed mutagenesis)
• Perform cell transfection.
• Assist with electrophysiological experiments.
• Maintain the laboratory (H&S and compliance, preparation of buffers, media, and other reagents, organise ordering and purchasing of consumables and reagents).
• Train new staff members and assist with day-to-day supervision and coordination of junior students in the lab.

To be successful in the role you will:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in physiology or a relevant related field (preferably with Honours).
• Preferably have 3 years laboratory experience.
• Have experience with cell culture work.
• Have experience with bacterial transformation, DNA purification and mammalian cell transfection.
• Possess strong computer literacy skills.
• Have excellent attention to detail - accurate and meticulous work ethic.
• Work well independently and as a team member.
• Have strong organisational and time management skills.
• Have effective communication skills