Research Assistant - MND Research Centre

Research Assistant - MND Research Centre

Locations: Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University

Time type: Full time

Posted: Today

Job requisition id: R000024544

Salary package: From $81,323 per annum (HEW Level 4) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading

Appointment type: Full-time (Part-time considered) fixed-term contract for 2 years

Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Help unlock the biology of motor neurone disease and contribute to the search for new treatments

Motor neurone disease (MND) remains one of the most complex challenges in neuroscience, and the laboratory work behind every discovery matters. As a Research Assistant in the Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease, you will work at the bench alongside researchers investigating the cellular mechanisms and molecular pathways of neurodegeneration, and helping to evaluate new treatment strategies in cell and zebrafish models.

You will join a research community of more than 70 people focused on MND, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, advanced imaging and preclinical models, and an active Early Career Researcher network ('EnCouRage'). Reporting to Associate Professor Marco Morsch, you will be part of a team where technical care and curiosity are valued equally, and where your day-to-day contribution feeds directly into research with real human impact.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with hands-on molecular and cellular biology experience who would like to grow their research career within a recognised centre of excellence, with scope to develop new techniques, contribute to publications and build lasting research relationships across the University and beyond.

About the Role

Working under the direction of the principal researcher, you will provide practical research and laboratory assistance across a portfolio of MND projects. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing research assistance to projects examining the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in MND, in line with approved research protocols
• Undertaking and assisting with a range of cellular biology and preclinical research projects, including work in cell and zebrafish models
• Participating in, and assisting with, data management and analysis
• Updating and maintaining databases for project samples and research data
• Contributing to day-to-day laboratory management, including equipment, consumables and record keeping
• Building effective working relationships with a diverse range of researchers, professional staff and students
• Working in line with relevant EEO, WHS, biosafety and research ethics requirements

Please note that work hours may vary from time to time to accommodate operational needs.

About Us

Macquarie University's Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences builds on our aspiration to have the nation's first fully integrated Academic Health Sciences Centre under a university's leadership. It brings together the excellent work of medical and allied-health clinicians and researchers across the University and around the country, with unparalleled access to the world-leading clinical resources and research facilities found only on our campus.

The Centre for Motor Neuron Disease is well integrated into the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Sciences. The Centre has established state-of-the-art research facilities and offers outstanding development options, including an active Early Career Researcher support network ('EnCouRage'), within a team of more than 70 staff working on MND.

About You

You are a capable laboratory scientist who enjoys precise, methodical work and takes pride in reliable, well-documented results. You bring practical molecular and cellular biology skills, clear communication, and the organisational habits needed to keep multiple projects moving in a busy research environment.

Selection Criteria

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in medical science or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
• Knowledge and understanding of cell biology, genetic and genomic analysis
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA purification, cell culture, fluorescent microscopy, western blotting and immunostaining
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA cloning (Gibson, Gateway), DNA construct assembly, PCR, gel electrophoresis and in vitro mRNA production
• Working knowledge of ethics and safe practice in a laboratory environment
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with researchers, students and stakeholders
• Well-organised approach to work, with the ability to prioritise, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines

Desirable

• Experience working with mice or zebrafish
• Experience with confocal microscopy and histology techniques