About Us

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is a medical research institute specialising in the brain and mind and is one of the world’s top 10 brain research centres. We employ exceptionally talented people who work to solve the greatest brain and mind challenges of our era. Our staff and students are the bedrock of our research and success, and we strive for excellence by fostering partnerships and empowering people. At the Florey our mission-driven culture enables our people to collaborate, thrive, learn, make ground-breaking discoveries and advance humanity through brain and mind science.

About the role:

The aberrant build-up of proteins is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases, including Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Elucidation of the mechanisms involved in this protein build-up is therefore a key goal in order to develop therapeutic strategies that can effectively slow or prevent progression of this disease. The Neuroinflammation Laboratory aims to investigate the role of dysregulated immune function in causing protein build-up and disease progression in MND, by bring together interdisciplinary expertise across Australia and internationally. We are looking for a passionate research assistant to facilitate technical and operational support for the research that enables unprecedented analysis of cellular and molecular signals towards new discoveries in MND research. The research assistant will contribute skills and expertise to projects within the group and with external collaborators, under the general direction of the Laboratory Head. This position would suit a candidate with a strong neurodegeneration background looking to develop their technical skills in neuroimmunology and spatial transcriptomics.

This position will suit an enthusiastic and motivated individual with an independent work ethic, proven project management experience and a collaborative mindset. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required, including the ability to write for publication and presentation of research at conferences

 Detailed information and key responsibilities are available from the Position Description. 

This position is a fixed term, full-time role (1.0 FTE) for 1 year with the possibility of renewal based on performance. The role attracts an annual salary offer ranging from Research Assistant 2 (RA2) $73,709 to Research Assistant 3 (RA3) $77,695, commensurate with experience.

Applicants who meet the criteria listed in the Position Description should submit their resume together with a cover letter no later than Friday 22nd December 2023 at 5.00pm.

About you:

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor of Science with Honours or Master’s in neuroscience, molecular biology or related discipline
• Ability for analytical thinking and independent problem solving. 
• Experience in manuscript writing and other academic outputs. 
• A track record working both as an independent researcher and in a team-based environment. 
• Excellent communication skills, with an ability to relate to and engage with other staff, external stakeholders, and students. 
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and time management skills.  
• Contribute to scientific discussion and the development of new hypotheses. 

Desirable knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in handling mouse models and tissue collection
• Generation of knockout cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology
• Experience in iPSC technology, qPCR, Western blot and confocal microscopy
• A track record of co-author publications

What we offer:
Working at the Florey offers you the chance to work with a dedicated group of researchers within a culture that focuses on equity, diversity and collaboration. Other benefits include:

• Generous salary packaging to maximise your benefits
• Up to 17% superannuation
• Wellbeing initiatives including flexible working opportunities and access to our employee assistance program 

For enquiries please contact our Human Resources Team on employment@florey.edu.au.

All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check.