Position Number: JR-014440
Role type: Full Time; Fixed Term for 1 year
Location: Parkville
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS)
Department: Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Salary: Level A $87,266 - $118,416 plus 17% super
World-class immunology lab at the Doherty Institute / Hands-on T cell research using advanced techniques / Supportive, collaborative team culture
Join us to drive impactful discoveries in infection and cancer immunology and develop your research career.
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 hands-on T cell immunology experiments within the Mackay Lab. You will work with techniques such as cell culture, flow cytometry and molecular biology. You will gain exceptional training, mentoring and publication opportunities in infection and cancer immunology.
What you will deliver:
Design, plan and perform T cell immunology experiments to achieve agreed research milestones and project aims.
Carry out cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology and mouse handling with high technical accuracy and reproducibility.
Maintain meticulous experimental records, laboratory databases, inventories, and compliance documentation including ethics and biosafety approvals.
Support training, mentoring and supervision of students and new staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing laboratory environment.
Contribute to lab meetings, data analysis and manuscript preparation, actively engaging with departmental seminars and activities.
You may be a great fit if you:
Hold a BSc (Honours) or BBiomed (Honours) in a relevant biomedical or life science discipline.
Demonstrate experience handling laboratory mice and working according to ethical, safety and animal welfare requirements.
Apply or rapidly develop skills in cell culture, flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques.
Manage experiments, data recording and analysis with strong organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team, supporting colleagues and contributing to shared scientific outcomes.
Undertake laboratory administration, ordering, equipment maintenance and documentation to support smooth, compliant lab operations.
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
Based at the Peter Doherty Institute, you will join the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
The Mackay Lab investigates tissue-resident T cells, linking fundamental immunology with infection and cancer applications. You will collaborate with leading researchers across the School of Biomedical Sciences and partner hospitals. The team values collaboration, integrity and inclusivity, providing mentoring, cutting-edge facilities and seminars supporting your 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 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: Tuesday 7 July at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.
Position Description:
PD_JR-014440 Research Assistant.docx
PD_JR-014440 Research Assistant.pdf
Skills Required
- BSc (Honours) or BBiomed (Honours) in a relevant biomedical or life science discipline.
- Experience handling laboratory mice and working according to ethical, safety and animal welfare requirements.
- Practical skills in cell culture, flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques (or ability to rapidly develop them).
- Maintain meticulous experimental records, laboratory databases, inventories, and compliance documentation (ethics and biosafety approvals).
- Ability to manage experiments, data recording and analysis, and contribute to manuscript preparation and lab meetings.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail to support laboratory operations and supervision of students/new staff.
- Current valid work rights for Australia (visa sponsorship not available).
- Working with Children Check (will be required and reimbursed if successful).
What We Do
The University of Melbourne is a leading public research university that makes distinctive contributions to society in research, learning, teaching, and engagement.
