Our lecturers and health researchers are regarded as experts in their fields, frequently directing global research projects designed to better the lives of New Zealanders and the world, and in turn, passing this knowledge on to our students.

Our Blood and Cancer Biology Laboratory is placed in the Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences on the Grafton Campus. We study processes of physiological regulation of blood cell function and deregulation in blood cancer. Our cellular focus is on platelets and their precursors (megakaryocytes) and cancers derived/affecting these cells, in particular, myeloproliferative neoplasms and megakaryoblastic leukaemia.

Applications are invited for the position of Research Technician in the Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland. The position is part-time (0.6-0.8 FTE) termed for 12 months.

The main purpose of this role will be to:

• process patient samples to prepare DNA and RNA for next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies and microarrays, with an overriding aim to identify genetic and transcriptomic changes associated with disease;
• validate NGS findings using PCR, sequencing and RT-PCR (standard and quantitative);
• help analyse NGS and microarray data;
• conduct primary cultures of haematopoietic progenitors, including analysis of cell differentiation and cell survival using flow cytometry;
• help run a small but independent laboratory;
• assist students with project work.

Your work will contribute towards the goals of the patient-centred MegBio study we developed; you will find more information on the study website: https://megbio.blogs.auckland.ac.nz.

To be successful in this role you will:

• hold a MSc or equivalent degree in Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or Biological Sciences;
• have advanced molecular skills with DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR and analysis;
• understand principles of exome sequencing and microarray testing and analysis;
• have experience with cell culture based work, and flow cytometry;
• have previous experience with lab management and supervision of students.

For additional details please refer to the Position Description.

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, with a turnover of $1.1bn, including research revenue of over $200m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 41,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

Why work for us?

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through flexible employment practices and a culture that encourages and supports staff to reach their full potential. We offer a competitive salary, five weeks’ annual leave, and over 300 different career development courses.

For more information on the benefits of working here, see our Staff Benefits page.

How to apply

If you hold the experience requested above and want to work for one of Auckland’s largest employers, please submit your CV with a cover letter outlining what strengths you would bring to this position by the closing date of Tuesday, 14 January 2020.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz