Research Assistant I/II

Applications are invited for appointment as Research Assistant I/II in the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole of the School of Public Health (Ref.: 526117), to commence as soon as possible on a one-year temporary basis or two-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or above in a relevant discipline (e.g., molecular biology, genomics, or genetics). Qualified applicants should be familiar with sequencing techniques and workflows, including quality control measures and preliminary sequence data analysis. Effective organization and communication skills (both written and verbal) are essential. Applicants should be proactive and self-reliant, able to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic interdisciplinary research environment.

The appointee will conduct laboratory experiments to support the experimental and operational work of research team members (e.g., PhD students, post-doctoral researchers), focusing primarily on third generation sequencing (also known as long-read sequencing). The appointee will provide technical guidance and training related to sequencing protocols for virus and host genomes to team members (e.g., students, researchers). Additionally, the appointee will maintain inventories of samples, equipment, and reagents; manage equipment, data storage and transfer; and document associated expenditures.

The ideal candidate will stay updated on crucial developments of the team’s research projects and the wider field of public health genomics, thereby providing valuable insights and recommendations to the principal investigator, and potentially leading to co-authorship on research publications. Lastly, the appointee will perform other assigned duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.

A competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. The appointment on fixed terms will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme totalling up to 10% of basic salary.

The University only accepts online applications for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date CV. Review of applications will start on March 28, 2024 and continue until May 31, 2024, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.