Laboratories

SIMS’ laboratory spaces enable collaborative marine research across the eastern coast of Australia with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

The  laboratories facilitate local, national and international collaborative research and are enhanced through shared access to a range of leading edge technology, high-cost equipment and facilities that enable our member universities and government departments to focus on addressing marine sustainability & climate change challenges.

Cellular, molecular, proteomic and microbiology research 

This laboratory includes 20 individual bench spaces supplied with general equipment and discipline specific equipment such as:

• PCR machine (Biorad C1000, MJ mini, CFX 96 qPCR)
• Genomic and proteomic separation (Biorad subcell GT, criterion cell, mini protean, IEF protean)     
• Gel imaging (Biorad Chemidoc XRS and Pharos FX imager)  
• Molecular and cell quantification (nanodrop2000c, Biorad smarspect and Xmark spectrophotometer)      
• Fluorescence compound, inverted and stereo-microscope (Leica DM5500, 3000i, and M125)
• Centrifugation apparatus (Eppendorf concentrator and refrigerated 5810R, Sorvall super centrifuge RC6 and ultra centrifuge WX100)      
• Cell, tissue and media culture or preparation/extraction (BSC, incubators, water bath, oven, autoclave, shakers, homogenizer and grinders, Co2 incubator, freeze-drier)      

Ecological, field, and sediment sample preparation and analysis 

Large wet-laboratory spaces allow for animal dissection, water sample filtration, marine fauna/flora sorting, and sediment core preparation/analysis. Specific equipment includes:  

• GeoTek core logger including 4K line scan imaging, laser core length/thickness detection, P-wave velocity, colour spectrophotometry, magnetic susceptibility, electrical sensitivity, natural gamma detection     
• Multiparameter handheld probe and deployable sonde logger (YSI 6600, ProDss and Proplus)
• Suspended particle counter (Pola 2000)
• Polarized and swing arm installed stereo-microscope (Leica M125, M80, MZ6)
• Large -30˚C and 4˚C storage facility  

Analytical chemistry of water or biological samples 

Two controlled temperature rooms provide consistent growth conditions used for experimental work or algae cultures. Specific equipment includes:  

• LCMS (thermos scientific Q exactive)     
• High or ultra performance liquid chromatography (Waters Alliance and Acquity systems)     
• Iatroscan (MK-6 system)
• Automatic titrator (Metrohm Titrando)