Research Assistant - Metabolic Neuroscience Laboratory

Role type: Full Time; Fixed Term for 12 months  
Location: Parkville 
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences 
Department: Department of Anatomy and Physiology  
Salary: RA $79,677 - $87,266 plus 17% super 

• Cutting-edge metabolic neuroscience lab / hands-on in vivo and molecular research / strong mentoring and career development  

• Apply now to deepen your experimental expertise and help uncover new brain–body pathways for future metabolic therapies.  

• 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 support multidisciplinary projects exploring how the brain controls metabolism and responds to emerging therapeutics. You will gain advanced in vivo, molecular, and translational research experience within a collaborative, high-performing neuroscience laboratory. 

What you will deliver:  

• Conduct in vivo rodent experiments, including handling, dosing, surgery, tissue collection, and behavioural monitoring.  

• Prepare and analyse molecular and histological samples using PCR, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and microscopy.  

• Support proteomics workflows through accurate sample preparation, documentation, and coordination with mass spectrometry facilities.  

• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including ordering, inventory, equipment coordination, and compliance with safety and animal ethics.  

• Contribute to data analysis, record-keeping, student training, and preparation of materials for publications, grants, and presentations. 

You may be a great fit if you:  

• Hold a degree in biomedical science, neuroscience, or related discipline, or bring equivalent laboratory experience.  

• Demonstrate strong in vivo rodent skills, including dosing, perfusion, tissue collection, and transgenic colony management.  

• Apply core molecular and histological techniques, such as PCR, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and microscopy.  

• Support laboratory operations, including ordering, inventory tracking, equipment coordination, and adherence to PC2, OHS, and ethics.  

• Provide respectful technical mentoring to students and contribute positively to a collaborative, inclusive team culture.  

• Bring curiosity about metabolic neuroscience and, ideally, experience with advanced in vivo, phenotyping, or omics data.

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 Metabolic Neuroscience Laboratory within Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Our team investigates how brain circuits control metabolism and how these pathways can be targeted therapeutically. We integrate transgenic models, molecular neuroscience, omics, and computational approaches, supported by competitive funding and industry partnerships. You will collaborate with researchers across disciplines, gaining broad exposure to cutting-edge tools and experimental strategies. We value curiosity, respect, and mentoring, creating a supportive environment where emerging researchers thrive and progress.  

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 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 questions related to our recruitment process email Corey Menadue 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: Thursday 13 August at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.  

Position Description: PD JR-016710 Research Assistant - Metabolic Neuroscience Laboratory.docx