Research Assistant - Metabolic Neuroscience Laboratory

Role type: Full time and Fixed term for 12 months
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/ School:  Department of Anatomy and Physiology
Salary: RA - $79,677 - $87,266 p.a. plus 17% super 

•  Cutting-edge research environment / Cross-disciplinary projects with international partnerships / Innovative therapeutic development

• Apply now to be a vital contributor in groundbreaking research on metabolic disease and therapeutic innovations.

• Investing in you - 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 
As a Research Assistant within the Department of Anatomy and Physiology, you will engage in discovery-driven research at the forefront of metabolic disease and brain-body signalling. You will have the opportunity to independently conduct in vivo metabolic studies, optimise methodologies for RNA and protein extraction, and contribute to advanced multi-omics approaches. This role offers you the chance to collaborate in a vibrant environment supported by NHMRC, ARC, and international industry partnerships, driving therapeutic innovations and scientific breakthroughs.
 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting in Vivo Metabolic Studies: Perform independent studies in rodent models, including handling, monitoring, surgery, and drug administration.

• Optimising Research Methodologies: Develop methods for RNA and protein extraction, and biochemical and histological analysis for transcriptomic and proteomic studies.

• Mentoring and Collaborating: Provide technical mentoring to students and contribute to collaborative research efforts within the team.

• Supporting Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect and analyse data using specialised software and contribute to writing reports and co-producing publications.
   

You may be a great fit if:

You have a BSc (hons) degree in a relevant area, with experience in in vivo research and transgenic colony management, and possess excellent communication skills for effective collaboration.
 

You may also:

• Have demonstrated expertise in in vitro cell culture methods.

• Possess practical knowledge of preparing protein and RNA extracts for omic analyses.

• Be skilled in applying research methodologies and conducting quantitative/qualitative data analysis.

• Have experience managing competing priorities and excellent time management skills.

• Be familiar with working under commercial conditions and maintaining confidentiality.

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 fulfillment, including: 

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being 

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance 

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance 

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program 

For more information check out our benefits page! 

Your new team – “The Department of Anatomy and Physiology” 
https://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/departments/anatomy-and-physiology

The Department of Anatomy and Physiology is a highly successful teaching and research department within the School of Biomedical Sciences.  We teach into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science and the Master of Biomedical Science through the delivery of subjects across the teaching disciplines of Anatomy, Cell & Developmental Biology, Neuroscience, and Physiology. Our teaching programs are widely recognised for their innovative approach and delivery, both through the development of online resources and in the use of student-focused, active learning approaches. Constant review and refinement of the curriculum and educational methods ensures that we best prepare students for scientific independence as they enter graduate and postgraduate professional and research careers.

Be Yourself 
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe 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 reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants 

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.
  
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au for further information and support. 

Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential! 
If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume 

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience 

• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description) 

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Corey Menadue hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close: Friday 9 January 2026 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. 

Position Description: PD - JR-006866 Research Assistant - Metabolic Neuroscience Laboratory.docx