Research Assistant, Wildlife Cryobanking

About this role

Research Assistant, Wildlife Cryobanking

Australia's largest public museum organisation is seeking a Research Assistant, Wildlife Cryobanking at Museums Victoria.

ABOUT MUSEUMS VICTORIA:

Ever dreamed of working in a place where dinosaurs roam, stars explode, and the world's most intriguing stories come to life? Welcome to Museums Victoria (MV), where every day is a new chapter in the book of discovery. As one of the southern hemisphere's largest and most iconic museum organisations, we're not just about exhibits; we're about experiences that inspire, challenge, and amaze. From the awe-inspiring Melbourne Museum, culturally significant Immigration Museum, mind-blowing Scienceworks, and the historic Royal Exhibition Building, we're a team that turns curiosity into reality.

And guess what? We're on the lookout for a Research Assistant, Wildlife Cryobanking. If you've got the drive, the creativity, and the passion to make MV's stories echo across the globe, keep reading. This could be your next big adventure!

ABOUT THE POSITION:
The position is accountable for undertaking lab work that support the activities of the living cell collection of the Ian Potter Australian Wildlife BioBank to fulfil the aims and outcomes of the ARC Linkage Grant: Expanding Museum industry to cryopreserve the diversity of Australia's terrestrial wildlife, including the registration of live cells into the state collection.

Some of the key duties include: 

• Research and collate information on cryobanking of live cells as an ex-situ conservation measure for wildlife in Victoria.
• Conduct lab work to culture cells, cryopreserve cells and assess their viability.
• Undertake collection management and registration of tissue samples and live cells.
• Physically and electronically register components of the BioBank collections, adhering to appropriate guidelines and procedures, including barcoding for location control.
• Comply with Museums Victoria's policies and procedures and with relevant legislation and regulations.

The successful applicant will have:

• Experience in preparation, handling and preservation of live cells.
• Knowledge of and experience in using electronic collection management systems in museums, especially EMu and MVWISE is desirable but not required.
• A high level of organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Well-developed verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills.

OTHER INFORMATION

This is a part-time (0.5FTE) fixed term till 26 February 2026. The salary on offer is $74,580 (pro rata) + 11.5% superannuation.

HOW TO APPLY?

To view the position description, visit Careers - Museums Victoria. From our Current Vacancies page, select “All Jobs” and click on the link for this job's listing. 

To apply, please click “Apply for this Job” at the bottom of the job listing page. 

For more information about this position, please contact Joanna Sumner at Jsumner@museum.vic.gov.au.

Please submit the three following three documents with your application: 

• Your Cover Letter
• Your Resume
• A written response addressing the Key Selection Criteria as outlined in our Role Statement (Please refer to attached document)

Please note: Applications that do not address the Key Selection Criteria will not be considered.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 12 January 2024 (11:59pm)