• Employment Type: Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Duration: 1-year fixed term
• Remuneration: Academic Level A $113K- $121K (based on experience) + 17% super+ annual leave loading
• Location: Sydney, New South Wales.

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 Associate (Level A) will contribute to research at UNSW focused on super-resolution microscopy and the biophysical characterisation of cardiomyocytes in health and disease. The role involves conducting independent and collaborative research using advanced imaging techniques, including DNA-PAINT, multiplexed PAINT, and expansion microscopy, to investigate protein structures at the molecular and sub-molecular level.

Key responsibilities include establishing image acquisition and data analysis pipelines, performing primary imaging and reconstruction, validating probe specificity and resolution, differentiating iPSCs into cardiomyocytes, and contributing to research on myocardial calcium handling and glucose regulation. The position also involves preparing high-quality publications, presenting at conferences, supporting student supervision, and adhering to university values and safety standards.

Skills & Experience

• PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, or allied discipline and/or relevant work experience
• Demonstrable experience in high-resolution or super-resolution microscopy (ideally-localisation, STED and/or expansion microscopies) and quantitative image analysis.
• A track record in adapting image-based quantification of protein expression, organisation, and cellular morphology to study cardiac and/or metabolic diseases is desirable.
• Evidence of experience in developing, modifying, and/or building optical microscopy instruments towards single molecule imaging is highly desirable.
• A track record or trajectory in scientific problem-solving, independent working and leading projects towards high quality publications of original research articles and/or review articles is essential.
• Strong academic writing and data analysis skills are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students, including the ability to successfully lead discussions and present scientific findings.

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 Sunday 22^nd 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.