Laboratory research assistant

Role type: Part-Time (0.5 FTE); Fixed Term, 1 year
Location: Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS)  
Department: Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health 
Salary: Level A $87,266 - $118,416 (pro rata) plus 17% super

• NHMRC-funded translational perinatal research program / cutting-edge extracellular vesicle and multi-omics techniques / supportive, flexible, clinician-scientist led team

• Apply now to grow your molecular research career while improving outcomes for babies affected by congenital infection.

• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne 
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity  
In this role, you will drive laboratory experiments that uncover how congenital infections affect fetal development. You will refine skills in extracellular vesicle methods, molecular biology and data management within a perinatal research group.

What you will deliver:

• Perform and optimise laboratory techniques, including extracellular vesicle research methods, cell culture, Western blotting and qRT-PCR.

• Process, catalogue and store human tissue and biofluid samples in line with ethical approvals and biosafety requirements.

• Maintain accurate experiment records, sample workflows and REDCap databases, supporting robust analyses and high-quality research outputs.

• Contribute to experiment planning, troubleshooting, interpretation of results and preparation of figures for presentations and publications.

• Engage with multidisciplinary collaborators across hospital and university sites, actively participating in meetings, training and safety compliance.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a BSc (Honours) or equivalent in biological or biomedical sciences, with relevant laboratory research experience.

• Demonstrate proficiency in cell and molecular biology techniques, including Western blotting, qRT-PCR and mammalian cell culture.

• Manage multiple experiments and administrative tasks concurrently, using strong organisational skills to meet competing deadlines.

• Use spreadsheets, REDCap, image analysis and statistical software to collate, manage and summarise research data accurately.

• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary, multi-site teams, contributing constructively to meetings and shared problem-solving.

• Meet immunisation, Working with Children Check and flexible hours requirements for hospital-based perinatal laboratory research.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!  
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being

• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team 
You will join the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health within the Melbourne Medical School. Our department partners with leading maternity hospitals, combining clinical care, teaching and research to improve outcomes for families. You will work alongside clinician-scientists, researchers and students in a supportive, values-led culture that nurtures development.

Be Yourself  
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants  
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with Korin Korin, our Indigenous Employment and Development team, via [email protected]

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.

• Please upload your resume, a cover letter outlining your interest and experience, and your responses to the Selection Criteria found in the Position Description as part of the application process.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Ishara Atukorala via email at [email protected]

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Dijana Pourgoutzidis at [email protected]

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: 1 June 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

PD_JR-012569 Laboratory research assistant.docx

PD_JR-012569 Laboratory research assistant.pdf