PRIMARY DETAIL
Seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant to assist in carrying out stem cell research within the Dementia Research Centre with the aim of developing new in vitro cell culture models for disease modelling and drug testing.
- Salary Package: From $86,087 p.a. (HEW Level 5), plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading.
- Appointment Type: Full time, fixed term for 12 months with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and performance.
- Location: Macquarie University (North Ryde)
The Role
The Dementia Research Centre is seeking a Research Assistant to assist in carrying out stem cell research within the Dementia Research Centre with the aim of developing new in vitro cell culture models for disease modelling and drug testing. You will be responsible for performing immunoprecipitation, real-time PCR, protein extractions and DNA purification while following established research protocols. You will undertake a variety of other molecular and cellular biology research techniques, assist with data management and analysis, update and maintain databases for project samples and data as well as contributing to day-to-day laboratory management.
About You
You will be a motivated and organised research assistant or experienced research officer who takes initiative when completing research project tasks and uses analysis and judgement to evaluate information and data to solve problems and make decisions. Ideally, you will have established experience performing experiments using human embryonic stem cells (hESC) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), molecular biology experiments, and carrying out imaging work. In addition, you will enjoy working both independently and as part of a team and will be able and actively participate in group analysis work. You should have a strong service and quality focus ensuring high levels of accuracy when completing tasks.
About Us
The Dementia Research Centre will provide an environment for innovative, interdisciplinary research for dementia, using and developing state-of-the-art technologies to advance basic discoveries towards translation into clinical treatments. The Dementia Research Centre is committed to providing a unique and supportive mentoring program to allow the growth of future leaders for dementia research. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary approach of the Centre to study Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases will create an excellent environment for the training of PhD and MRES students.
The Macquarie Medical School has active research programs in biomedical, translational and health services domains, with current areas of strength including neurosciences (especially neurodegenerative diseases, neurological rehabilitation, and the clinical neuroscience of pain), cancer medicine, and vascular science, amongst others. In learning and teaching, the School offers a unique suite of capability-based medical educational programs aimed a post-graduation subspecialty medical education and training.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, applicants must address the selection criteria below in a separate document and upload the document as part of the application process.
Essential for all Applicants:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in medical science, neuroscience or a related discipline.
Carry out maintenance and experiments using human embryonic stem cells (hESC) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
Carry out differentiation of hESC and iPSC into neuronal cells or brain organoids
Carry out molecular biology techniques such as western blotting, immunoprecipitation, cloning, real-time PCR, FACS, immunostaining, genotyping
Carry out imaging work using microscopes such as epifluorescence, confocal etc.Contribute to the planning and conduct experiments in accordance with scientific standards.
Analyse data, carry out statistical evaluation and present research data for publication.
Ability to liaise effectively with different stakeholder groups and demonstrate ability to work cohesively towards achieving a common goal in a team environment
Computer skills including MS Office, database management and statistical analysis packages.
Note: This position requires you to comply with occupational screening, assessment and vaccinations in line with Macquarie University health requirements. You may also have to satisfy Macquarie University that you meet all background checks (including criminal record and qualification checks).
*** Applications for this position are only being accepted from Australian citizens or permanent residents or people with full working rights.
Specific Role Enquiries: Professor Yazi Ke, Macquarie Medical School Yazi.ke@mq.edu.au.
Applications Close: Sunday 29 June 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:
29/06/2025 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.