PRIMARY DETAIL
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join the Precision Cancer Therapy (PCT) group within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences. You will contribute to impactful research focused on understanding mechanisms of cancer treatment response and resistance, working with primary cells, ex vivo, models and mouse models. Your efforts will help drive the development of personalised therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.
Salary Package: From $83,580 per annum (HEW 5) + 17% superannuation + annual leave loading
Appointment Type: Full-time, fixed-term contract (2 years)
Location: Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
The Role
Reporting to the Senior Lecturer in the Precision Cancer Therapy group, this position plays a key role in supporting cancer research projects focused on understanding treatment response and resistance, contributing to experimental work and day-to-day laboratory operations.
As a Research Assistant in the Precision Cancer Therapy group, you will:
• Support the development of pre-clinical mouse models using molecular cloning and lentiviral transduction techniques.
• Assist in animal-based studies to test treatment response and resistance, and conduct functional and molecular analysis.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental protocols and data.
• Provide guidance to students performing project-specific tasks, ensuring proper use of laboratory equipment.
• Contribute to the efficient day-to-day operation of the research laboratory.
• Comply with EEO and WHS regulations and perform other duties as required.
About You
You are an enthusiastic and reliable research assistant who enjoys working in a hands-on laboratory environment. With a keen eye for detail and a methodical approach, you support the day-to-day work of a busy research group by performing experiments, maintaining lab records, and assisting in pre-clinical model development.
You are proactive, organised, eager to learn, and are comfortable following established protocols while also taking the initiative when needed. You value teamwork, communicate clearly, and contribute positively to a collaborative lab culture. Whether guiding students, preparing samples, or managing routine lab operations, you bring professionalism, care, and a genuine interest in contributing to impactful cancer research.
About Us
Macquarie University is a place of discovery and bold ambition. Ranked among Australia’s leading research universities, Macquarie is home to pioneering minds, world-class facilities, and a commitment to improving lives through innovation.
Macquarie University’s Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciencesleads the nation’s first fully integrated Academic Health Sciences Centre under a university’s leadership. With a focus on patients and a mission to drive health transformation, the Faculty brings together medical and allied health researchers, educators, and clinicians with access to world-class clinical care and research infrastructure on campus.
The Faculty has active research programs across biomedical, translational, and health services domains. Current strengths include cancer biology, cancer therapeutics, neuroscience, vascular science, and clinical medicine. The faculty also hosts the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Centre for Advanced Cancer Modelling, equipped withstate-of-the-art instruments and teechnologies to personalise cancer treatment.
The Precision Cancer Therapy group is located within Macquarie Medical School in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences. As a key member of the group, you will have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects using primary cells, ex vivo systems, and mouse models—translating research into novel, real-time therapeutic approaches for cancer patients.
How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please apply online by submitting your CV and a cover letter that addresses the selection criteria below.
Key Selection Criteria
Essential criteria:
• Bachelor’s degree (with Honours) or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field, with at least two years’ laboratory experience.
• Strong background in animal handling, particularly in mouse cancer models, including blood and tissue sampling and processing.
• Experience in molecular and/or cellular biology techniques including cell culture, PCR, molecular cloning, and DNA/RNA/protein extraction.
• Excellent attention to detail with experience in scientific record-keeping and experimental documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a research environment, under supervision and as part of a team.
• Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable criteria:
• Experience with high-dimensional flow cytometry and the operation of flow cytometers.
• Ability to independently analyse experimental data, including qualitative and statistical analysis, and clearly communicate findings.
• Experience supporting researchers from other disciplines and working alongside PhD students in a collaborative lab setting.
Pre-Employment Checks
This position requires the successful candidate to undergo the following checks:
• Criminal history check
• Qualification verification
** Note: The successful candidate must have valid work rights in Australia for the duration of the appointment.
• For role-specific enquiries: Please contact Dr. Esther Lim, Senior Lecturer on esther.lim@mq.edu.au
• For general recruitment enquiries: Please contact Mirna Alaaiddin, Talent Acquisition Officer on mirna.alaaiddin@mq.edu.au
Applications Close: Sunday 15June 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)
*** Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
15/06/2025 11:59 PM
Diversity and Inclusion
Innovation and ingenuity thrive at Macquarie University when diversity, equity and inclusion take centre stage. At the University, we embrace a culture where diversity of background, experience and perspective are fundamental to our success.
We do not discriminate on gender identity, age, culture, disability, sexuality, Indigeneity, family and caring responsibilities or religion. See our journey towards leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub.
