Research Assistant

Role type: Full Time; Fixed term until December 2027
Location: Mercy Hospital For Women, Heidelberg
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS)
Department: Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Newborn Health
Salary: Level A $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. (pro rata for part-time) plus 17% super

• Cutting-edge pregnancy complications research / collaborative clinician–scientist environment
• Join a dynamic translational research team and help develop new diagnostics and therapies for obstetric diseases.
• 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
You will contribute to cutting-edge research tackling major pregnancy complications at Mercy Perinatal. You will apply advanced cellular and molecular biology techniques to develop new diagnostics and therapies for obstetric diseases. You will collaborate closely with clinician researchers, gain authorship opportunities, and build strong foundations for a research career.

What you will deliver:

• Plan, perform and analyse laboratory experiments using cellular and molecular biology techniques to address obstetric research questions.
• Maintain high-quality cell and organoid cultures, and undertake associated assays including ELISA, PCR and microscopic imaging.
• Contribute to animal studies, including surgical procedures, data collection, and accurate documentation in line with protocols.
• Prepare figures, assist with manuscripts for publication, and grant and ethics applications for new projects.
• Support coordination of research projects, meetings and collaborations, and help train students and new laboratory staff.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold an honours degree in medicine, health sciences or biomedical science, with substantial research laboratory experience.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in cellular and molecular biology, including primary cell and organoid culture.
• Perform RNA extraction, RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunoassays and ELISA with a high degree of accuracy.
• Bring hands-on experience with rodent models, including surgical procedures and associated ethical and compliance requirements.
• Troubleshoot and optimise new laboratory protocols, maintaining meticulous experimental records and data management systems.
• Communicate complex findings clearly, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, and manage competing laboratory and administrative deadlines.

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 programmes and learning platforms

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including 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 Translational Obstetrics Group within Mercy Perinatal, a vibrant hub for pregnancy research. The team unites scientists and clinicians to understand, detect and prevent complications like preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Embedded in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, you will access world-class collaborations and hospital-based laboratories. The culture values respect, teamwork and curiosity, supporting you to develop and thrive as a researcher.

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 korin-korin@unimelb.edu.au

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 and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload a separate document addressing the Selection Criteria outlined in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino via email at t.klino@unimelb.edu.au
• For questions related to our recruitment process, email Dijana Pourgoutzidis
• at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments, contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at

hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

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

Applications close 22 July at 11:55 PM in the Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

PD_JR-014227 Research Assistant.pdf

PD_JR-014227 Research Assistant.docx