About the PositionAn excellent opportunity is available for a Research Assistant to join the Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division (Kelly Laboratory) at Australia''s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.The Research Assistant will work on a project to develop scalable, plate-based screening workflows to evaluate novel mRNA-based anti-cancer therapies. The appointee will contribute to high-throughput cellular assays using human primary cells and molecular biology workflows, producing high-quality, reproducible datasets that accelerate therapeutic discovery. This position will report directly to the Senior Research Officer for this project.Key responsibilitiesHandling of human cell specimens and culture, including primary immune cells (e.g., PBMCs) using aseptic technique.Running and optimising plate-based assays and readouts including flow cytometry/FACS, qPCR, fluorescent plate reader assays, microscopy-based assays, and cell viability/cell death assays.Performing molecular biology workflows including plasmid cloning/validation, PCR, in vitro transcription (IVT), DNA/RNA purification and QC, and NGS library preparation as required.Maintaining meticulous experimental records, sample tracking, and data organization to ensure methods and results are accurate, high-quality, and accessible to other researchers.Working collaboratively to meet project goals, including scheduling work across multiple assays and contributing to continuous improvement of protocols.Selection CriteriaEssential Knowledge and Skills:At least 4 years of demonstrated laboratory research experience in a relevant area (e.g., immunology, cancer biology, cell biology or molecular biology)Demonstrated experience with human primary cells and high-throughput plate-based assays and/or molecular biology workflows (e.g., flow cytometry/FACS, qPCR, plate reader assays, microscopy, cloning/PCR, IVT, DNA/RNA purification, NGS library preparation)BSc with Honours or Masters in an appropriate area of study, or relevant experienceBasic computer skills and ability to accurately record data, results and the development of new methods and theoriesProject management, excellent oral and written communication and reporting skillsPersonal Qualities:Good communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a team environmentAbility to work as part of a team using experimental protocolsExcellent attention to detail, ensuring that data, methods and theories are accurate, of high-quality and accessible to other researchersAbility to manage time effectively and be reliable and approachableWilling to take direction and have progress reviewed where requiredA genuine enthusiasm for contributing to scientific discovery and the development of new cancer therapiesTerms of AppointmentThis position is 2 years in a full-time capacity. Salary is Research Support Employee Levels 5-6 ($82,018 - $102,979), commensurate with experience. Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.General enquiries can be directed to Dr Tom Weber - [email protected] position description is available here.How to ApplyPlease apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria (as above) in pdf format.Application Closing Date: Sunday 1 March 2026WEHI - Brighter togetherWEHI is where the world''s brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.WEHI is a place where people are able to shine. People who are inquisitive, who are committed, who are passionate. People who want to make a difference. And we are committed to ensuring they have the tools to flourish, personally and professionally. We are a community of researchers, students and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. We are driven by collaboration, curiosity and creativity. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world. We are WEHI. We are brighter together.WEHI''s commitment to diversity and inclusionAt WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI''s ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.WEI''s commitment to Indigenous employmentWEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title
Research Assistant