Research Assistant

Job Title

Research Assistant

Job Description

An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Assistant to join the Call Laboratory in the Molecular Sciences Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute. This is a full-time position; however, applications from candidates seeking a minimum of 0.8 FTE will be considered.

About the program

The Bridging Barriers in Brain Cancer (B3C) program aims to transform the lives of people affected by brain cancer by developing pioneering new medicines capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Led by WEHI, B3C is establishing a platform-enabled drug discovery and development pipeline, focused on targeted drug conjugates designed to deliver potent anti-cancer therapies into the brain.

B3C brings together a highly multidisciplinary team across partner organisations, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Monash University, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Queensland and the University of Technology Sydney, with the long-term ambition of transitioning B3C into a successful biotech spinout.

B3C represents a unique opportunity to build a purpose-driven, translational drug development centre from the ground up, integrating discovery science, preclinical development, translational strategy and commercial readiness.

About the position

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the protein biochemistry team of the B3C program. You will play a key role by generating high-quality protein and characterizing protein-protein interactions for the development of targeted drug conjugates for brain cancer. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to translational drug discovery within a multidisciplinary team, working on pioneering therapies aimed at crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Selection Criteria

Personal qualities

• Good communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a team environment.

• Ability to work as part of a team using experimental protocols.

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that data, experimental records, protocols, methods and theories are accurate, of high-quality and accessible to other researchers.

• Highly motivated, reliable and approachable, with strong organisation skills, and the ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.

• Willing to learn, take direction and have progress reviewed where required.

Knowledge and skills

• BSc with Honours in a field relevant to drug discovery (eg biological sciences, cell biology), or relevant experience.

• Minimum 3 years (for RSE 5, or 5 years for RSE 6) laboratory research experience.

• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately record data, results and the development of new methods and theories.

• Project management, excellent oral and written communication and reporting skills.

• Experienced in insect and mammalian cell protein expression including establishing new expression conditions

• Experienced in protein purification, including optimising purification protocols

• Experienced in cloning and molecular biology techniques

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiarity with bacterial expression of proteins

• Experience with biophysical characterisation of protein/protein interactions (eg. biolayer interferometry, surface plasmon resonance, mass photometry)

• Experience with structural biology (X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM)

Terms of appointment

This position is full-time for an initial period of 2 years. Applications from candidates seeking a minimum appointment of 0.8 FTE will also be considered. Salary is Research Support Employee Level 5 ($84,479 - $97,036) or Research Support Employee Level 6 ($97,990 - $106,069), commensurate with qualifications and 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 Gabby Watson (Senior Research Officer) – [email protected]

View the position description for a Research Assistant at RSE Level 5 here.

View the position description for a Research Assistant at RSE Level 6 here.

How to apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 20 August 2026.