Research Assistant

Role type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Fixed-term for 1 year 
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences 
Department/ School: Department of Microbiology & Immunology 
Salary: Level A: $83,468 - $113,262 p.a. plus 17% super  

• Hands-on molecular, culture and sequencing skill development with career growth and ongoing-role potential. 

• Apply now to support malaria genomics and population genetics research, develop technical and analytical expertise, and contribute to high impact publications. 

• 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  
Join Professor Karen Day’s research group at the Bio21 Institute to support Plasmodium falciparum molecular epidemiology research and contribute to sequencing based population genetics. You will spend ~20% of your time supporting laboratory operations and the remainder carrying out culture, molecular and bioinformatics work, gaining practical PC2 experience and opportunities to contribute to manuscripts and ongoing projects. 

What you will deliver:  

• Core Research Techniques: Plan and perform malaria cell culture, DNA extraction, PCR/RTPCR and sequencing to meet project milestones. 

• Analysis and Record Data: Maintain accurate experimental records, analyse results and report findings to investigators and collaborators. 

• Laboratory Management Support: Manage biorepository, inventories, equipment maintenance, SOPs and assist with approvals, safety and financial recording. 

• A Contribution to Team Science and Communication: Assist training of students, participate in lab meetings, and contribute to manuscript preparation and departmental activities. 

You may be a great fit if:  

• You have practical experience in malaria or other parasite cell culture and molecular assays. 

• You are competent in DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing workflows and basic genomics. 

• You possess strong laboratory recordkeeping, organisational skills and attention to detail. 

• You are confident working to biosafety procedures for bloodborne pathogens in PC2 laboratories. 

• You are an effective communicator, enjoy team collaboration and are keen to contribute to publications and training. 

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 – Department of Microbiology & Immunology 
The Department prides itself on offering world-class training in microbiology and immunology led by teaching specialists and teaching-research academics. This research-led teaching in infection and immunity provides superb training for undergraduate and graduate students alike. The Department is also home to the Victorian Public Health Laboratory for Microbiology, known as the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit (MDU), which provides advice and services in public health microbiology. Our research focuses largely on understanding the immune system and on pathogens and infectious agents aiming to develop new ways to detect, control and treat infectious diseases or alternatively to manipulate the immune system to improve responses to organisms that cause infectious diseases or cancer. 

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) is Australia’s pre-eminent medical, health sciences and biomedical faculty and is recognised for its research, teaching, training, and policy leadership across all these fields. A large portion of our workforce work in hospital-based departments.  

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 our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@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 your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.  

Want to know more? 

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Professor Karen day at karen.day@unimelb.edu.au  

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Corey Menadue 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: Thursday 30 April 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.  

Position Description:  

PD - Research Assistant.pdf 

PD - Research Assistant.docx