Research Assistant, Genetic Engineering Research Unit

• Full time, fixed term role (up to December 2025 with possibility of extension)
• Salary commensurate with experience: Research Level A $81,941 - $91,300 per annum plus super
• Generous salary packaging options available

About the team
CERA's Genetic Engineering Research team is working on the latest gene technology with an aim to develop new therapeutics to treat incurable inherited retinal diseases and chronic eye conditions.

Our research hopes to transform these advanced gene technologies to clear hurdles affecting the current clinical treatments of these diseases and create safe and effective therapeutics for clinical ophthalmic care.

The role
We're seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our Genetic Engineering Research Unit. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-quality research while supporting the operations and projects within the unit.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Conduct animal-based research, including handling rodent models, tissue collection, and in vivo delivery of vectors or therapeutic agents, following ethical guidelines
• Develop, optimise, and troubleshoot experimental protocols for molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, and immunostaining
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to data analysis, internal reports, presentations, and publications
• Provide support in training students or other laboratory members as needed
• Collaborate with team members and other researchers at CERA to ensure the success of research projects.

Your skills and experience

• Bachelor/ Honours/ Masters qualification in Biomedical Science or a related discipline 
• Experience in animal studies, including rodent handling, in vivo delivery, tissue collection, and molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, vector construction, and immunostaining 
• High level interpersonal skills, including the ability to form productive professional relationships and communicate effectively with various stakeholders and team members
• Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise tasks, and adapt to changing needs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and scientific analysis software such as GraphPad Prism
• A solutions-oriented approach with a commitment to working collaboratively with others and fostering a supportive team environment.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check.

About CERA
The Centre for Eye Research Australia is a not-for-profit and an international leader in eye research with real world impact. We are an independent Medical Research Institute closely affiliated with the University of Melbourne within the discipline of ophthalmology in the Department of Surgery, Melbourne Medical School. Our staff and students are located at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and 200 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne. 

To learn more about our work, please visit our website. 

Employee benefits

• Family-friendly workplace with flexible working
• Supportive culture which encourages career development and fosters innovation
• Generous salary packaging options including general expenses, meals and entertainment and novated car leasing (Salary packaging allows staff to reduce the amount of tax they pay, thereby increasing their take home salary)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Leave loading of 17.5%
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Weekly fruit boxes in the office.

How to apply
Submit a current resume and cover letter that details your interest and suitability for the role.

For more information about the role, please download the position description here or contact hr@cera.org.au. 

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with CALD backgrounds, people with a disability, people from the LGBTQIA+ community and women and gender diverse people.

If you require an adjustment to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our HR team.

The role will remain open until we find a suitable candidate and applications will be reviewed regularly throughout the process. We encourage you to apply promptly.