- Employment Type: Full Time, 35 hours per week
- Duration: 12 months fixed term
- Remuneration: Professional Level 5 $88K-$100K (based on experience) + 17% super+ annual leave loading
- Location: Kensington Campus, New South Wales. This is an onsite position.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold unrestricted work rights to be considered for this position.
About Us:
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 20 universities in the world (QS top 20) and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
Position Summary
The Research Assistant will provide technical and research support to the NeuroRepair and Mechanisms of Disease (NeuroREMED) Lab within the School of Biomedical Sciences. The lab focuses on developing innovative therapies for spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Working closely with the Group Leader, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists and students, the appointee will support the establishment, coordination and day-to-day operation of the laboratory. Responsibilities include maintaining laboratory organisation and compliance, write, revise and update laboratory procedures, managing inventory and equipment, coordinating sample processing and shipments, supporting ethics and grant applications, maintaining research records and databases, and contributing to a range of molecular and cellular biology workflows. The candidate will make research initiatives and original contributions to the research programme wherever possible and participate in different laboratory academic activities. The role will also assist with training, data management, sample processing, and the smooth onboarding and departure of lab members, contributing to the growth and success of a collaborative neuroscience research environment. The role reports to the NeuroREMED Group Leader and has no direct reports.
Skills & Experience
- Relevant tertiary qualification including Bachelor of Science in Biological, Biomedical Sciences or related fields such as Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biomedical engineering, Medical Sciences with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience. MSc or PhD is desirable but not essential.
- Prior experience supporting a research project and day-to-day lab management.
- Demonstrated experience with the following:
- Accurate record-keeping and data management. Inventory management and basic lab reagent preparation.
- Proficient laboratory bench skills, aseptic lab techniques, ability to follow SOPs, and biosafety compliance.
- Mammalian cell culture and molecular biology (e.g. cloning, mutagenesis, sequencing, qPCR, immunofluorescence).
- Human-derived stem cell culture (preferred but not essential).
- C. elegans manipulation and maintenance. (preferred but not essential)
- CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing (preferred but not essential).
- In vivo mouse model research (preferred but not essential).
- Advanced time management, organisational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
- High level organisational skills with proven ability to deal with multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to liaise effectively with all levels of staff and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including word processing (MS word), spreadsheets (MS Excel), statistical analysis packages (GraphPad Prism) and/or basic programming language (MATLAB, Python).
- Ability to make sound judgements and work both independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated experience supporting and contributing to projects and initiatives.
- Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
- Proven ability to operate autonomously while demonstrating a proactive approach to driving process improvement.
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:
- Career development opportunities
- 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
- 10 days paid cultural leave per year
- Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here
How to Apply:
To be considered for this role, you must address the Selection Criteria which are outlined in the “Skills and Experience” section of the position description. Applications that do not address these criteria will not be considered. For more information, refer to the Position Description available on JOBS@UNSW.
Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application including your resume & cover letter online before Monday 16th March 2026 at 11:55pm. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.
Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: -
- National and International Criminal history checks
- Entitlement to work and ID checks
- Working With Children Checks
- Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
- Verification of relevant qualifications
- Verification of relevant professional membership
- Employment history and reference checks
- Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
- Medical Checks and Assessments
Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
Get in Touch:
Aarti
a.aarti@unsw.edu.au
Talent Acquisition Associate
Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
