From neuroscience and cancer biology to drug development, embryology and gene therapy; when joining the team at CMRI you will be surrounded by internationally recognised researchers who foster excellence in all of their staff. CMRI is part of the largest health and medical research precinct in Australia and also a member of the Westmead Research Hub. This membership allows our staff access to the vast array of technology, services, resources and expertise available nearby at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead Hospital and the Westmead Institute. Opportunities to join the team at CMRI are occasionally available in the areas of research, administration, fundraising, and laboratory support.

• Join a world-leading, independent medical research institute
• Contribute to the health of future generations/children through medical research
• Located in Westmead— Australia’s foremost biomedical research precinct

Research Assistant roles at Children's Medical Research Institute's Cell Signalling Group, advancing cancer research using cutting-edge microscopy and molecular biology.

Together we are making a difference for kids living with genetic disease.

CMRI was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the world’s most highly regarded independent medical research organisations. Our research focuses on the four key areas impacting children’s health: cancer, genomics and genetic diseases, neurobiology, and embryology.

The Cell Signalling Unit at CMRI seeks two Research Assistants to support diverse laboratory research activities associated with the study of endocytosis molecular mechanisms and pharmacology. Both roles will work collaboratively as part of a dynamic research team, contributing to experimental work, day-to-day laboratory operations, and training of junior staff. Each role is aligned with a distinct technical focus.

Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are seeking Position 1, Position 2, or are interested in both. Shortlisted candidates may be considered for either role according to skills and interests.

Work with a team of dedicated professionals

We are looking for a Research Assistant to join our team to:

• Arrange, conduct, and support research experiments and projects both independently and as part of a team
• Provide intellectual input into the development of original research concepts
• Contribute to the general organization and management of the Cell Signalling Unit by undertaking tasks such as: conduct enzyme assays, analyse kinetic data, protein purification, bacterial expression of recombinant proteins, cell culture; fixed sample microscopy for high-content imaging; molecular cloning, transfection, transduction; as well as biochemical experiments in sample preparation for proteomics, SDS-PAGE, western blots; and data analysis
• Provide assistance, guidance, and training to junior members of the research team, including supervision of students
• Participate in shared tasks related to the operation of the laboratory
• Undertake administrative duties relevant to research activities, including, but not limited to, preparation of research reports for publication, granting agencies and commercial partners
• Actively participate in Group, Institute, and campus-wide research meetings and seminars
• Contribute to the preparation of papers and reports to maintain a good publication record
• Be aware of cutting-edge research techniques and develop and maintain contact with a collaborative group of scientists
• Assist the Group Leader in preparation of grant applications

A rewarding role in every way

• Full Time role – 37.5 hours per week. 12 months Fixed Term Contract
• Excellent not for profit tax benefits
• A flexible and supportive work environment where everyone’s contribution is highly valued

What can you bring to this role?

Position 1: Enzyme Assays and High-Content Drug Screening. Primary Focus:

• Execution and development of enzyme assays, related to drug development of endocytosis inhibitors, specifically targeting protein kinases and GTPases.
• High-content cell-based screening assays for analysis of endocytosis or related cellular processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, conduct, and analyse enzyme kinetic experiments.
• Perform high-content imaging experiments using fixed cell microscopy.
• Maintain cell cultures for screening.
• Apply molecular cloning, transfection, and transduction techniques for assay development.
• Compile and present data for publication, reporting, and grant applications.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated expertise in biochemical pharmacology: enzyme assay design, setup, and kinetic data analysis.
• Experience with high-content imaging methodologies.
• Strong practical skills in cell biology, molecular biology, and protein expression relevant to enzymatic research.

Position 2: Protein Expression, Characterisation, and Proteomics. Primary Focus:

• Studies on the mechanism of action of endocytosis inhibitors, including a protein kinase AAK1 and the GTPase dynamin
• Broad protein science with emphasis on recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterisation.
• Sample preparation for proteomics and entry-level bioinformatics analysis of proteomics datasets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Clone, express, and purify recombinant proteins in bacterial and/or mammalian systems.
• Characterise proteins using biochemical and biophysical assays (e.g. SDS-PAGE, western blot, multiple assays).
• Prepare samples for mass spectrometry-based proteomic workflows.
• Perform basic bioinformatics analysis of proteomics data.
• Support development of new methods for protein analysis to identify drug binding sites.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven ability with protein expression, purification techniques and methods development.
• Experience preparing samples for quantitative proteomics.
• Proficiency in managing and processing large biological or molecular datasets.
• Introduction to bioinformatics tools for proteomics analysis.

Essential Criteria (Both Roles)

• BSc (Hons) or equivalent in biomedical or biological sciences.
• Minimum 1–2 years laboratory research experience.
• Proficiency with computers, data analysis, and standard software tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving, and organisational ability.

Desirable Criteria

• Prior experience in a PC2 facility.

We kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. We will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

CMRI is an equal-opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing our people. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we embrace diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from those who identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

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