Research Assistant (Animal and Cellular Specialist)

About the role

Provide research, technical and administrative support for projects developing novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy at Macquarie University's Dementia Research Centre.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain the mouse colony, including breeding, health monitoring, genotyping and record keeping.
• Conduct behavioural, motor and memory testing of mice and analyse digital data.
• Assist with animal surgeries, treatment administration and tissue harvesting.
• Perform biochemical analyses (Western blot, immunohistochemistry, PCR, protein extraction) on tissue and cultured cells.
• Carry out molecular biology experiments such as RT‑PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, cloning and plasmid modification.
• Culture, treat and analyse cell lines, iPSCs, ESCs and primary cells using immunocytochemistry and Western blot.
• Support experimental planning, data analysis, record keeping and preparation of research outputs.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree with Honours or Masters in medical science, neuroscience, biochemistry or related field (PhD highly regarded).
• Hands‑on experience with animal care, handling and behavioural analysis.
• Proven laboratory experience with PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, molecular cloning and cell culture.
• Strong organisational, time‑management and communication skills.

Required skills

• Mouse colony management and genotyping.
• Behavioural testing and data analysis.
• Animal surgery and tissue harvesting.
• Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, PCR, protein extraction.
• Molecular cloning, RT‑PCR, DNA/RNA extraction.
• Cell culture, iPSC, ESC, primary cell techniques.

What we offer

• Salary from 88,670 AUD per annum (HEW Level 4) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Full‑time fixed‑term contract for 1 year.
• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements.
• On‑site parking, childcare, health insurance discounts and sport centre membership.
• Extensive training and professional development programs.