Research Officer – Behavioural Neuroscientist 
Location: Parkville

• $95,348 - $102,353 per annum Salary + up to 17% Superannuation and salary packaging
• Fixed Term for 24 months
• Parkville location

The role

Based in the Synapse Biology and Cognition Group within the Mental Health Research Area at the Florey, this role will involve in vivo neural imaging (using miniature microscopy, fiber photometry) of mice in complex behavioural paradigms using the rodent touchscreen cognitive system.

Key Responsibilities

The candidate will be responsible for:

Research activities

• Be involved in the day-to-day scientific activities of the group, which will include leading a research project, involvement in experimental design, planning, execution and data analysis. Execution of daily scientific procedures will constitute the most significant aspect of this position.
• Undertake lab-based techniques including behavioural training using the operant touchscreen-based system, small animal stereotaxic surgery (brain implantation of cannula, GRIN lens), miniature microscopy, fiber photometry, brain tissue collection, validation and protein expression analysis (including immunohistochemistry), microscopy and image analysis.
• Complex data analyses integrating behavioural and neural imaging outputs.
• Contribute to colony management and genotyping of mouse models.
• Supervise other technical staff and/or students.
• Actively contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, research grants, submissions for equipment and research reports. This may also involve assisting with the editing and submission of these submissions.
• Prioritisation of work on a daily basis against set deadlines.
• Maintain detailed written record of research experiments and outcomes.
• Weekly reporting to Dr Jess Nithianantharajah
• Participate in research meetings and journal clubs with the Synapse Biology and Cognition Team & Collaborative Team meetings (e.g. with UoM Psychiatry)

Administrative duties

• Be involved in the preparation and submission of University level safety and ethics approvals, as well as direct involvement in ensuring compliance with granted approvals.
• Adhere to all Florey Standard Terms and Conditions on Confidentiality, Publications and Intellectual Property.

Laboratory maintenance

• Co-ordinate purchasing for the research group and contribute to finance management of the group.
• Co-ordinate general laboratory maintenance, including preparation of standard laboratory solutions, waste disposal and cleaning, and maintenance of stock inventories.

Support the collective vision and mission of the Florey through

• open and collaborative communication that promotes positive and respectful relationships
• fostering and supporting innovation within the team and broader Institute teams

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

This position is a fixed term, full-time role. The role attracts an annual salary offer ranging from $95,348 - $102,353 per annum, commensurate with experience.

About you:

The successful candidate will have:
Essential

• Minimum 3-4 years relevant laboratory experience
• Extensive mouse handling skills (behavioural studies).
• Small animal surgical expertise with brain implantation of cannula and/or lens.
• Functional in vivo recording/imaging of neuronal activity.
• Knowledge and experience of histological techniques (tissue preparation, immunostaining) and fluorescent microscopy.
• Programming and data/statistical analyses skills (e.g., MATLAB, R, STATA) and programs for report writing and figure production (Microsoft/Adobe product suite, Reference manager e.g. Endnote)
• Demonstrated experience in the development of peer-reviewed publications, conference papers or reports, grant and ethics applications.
• Experience in project management (e.g., demonstration of initiative and leadership skills, excellent time management, organisational and record-keeping skills).
• Experience co-supervising and managing students and research assistants

Qualifications & Skills:

• PhD in biological science (or equivalent qualification)
• Highly motivated Early Career Researcher with a developing track record including first author research publications in international scientific journals.
• Knowledge of neural mechanisms of cognition, learning and memory. 
• Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills

General Attributes:

• Demonstrated excellent organisational skills
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective research collaboration and engagement
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated initiative in research activities
• Capable of day-to-day direction of tasks
• Willingness to work outside of ordinary hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. Noting peak periods of work during which the taking of leave may be restricted.

How to Apply

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with a Cover Letter outlining your relevant experience and interests, and your Resume We encourage applicants to address the selection criteria outlined. You may also be asked to consent to a criminal record check.

For enquiries, please contact our People Team on employment@florey.edu.au.

Applications are to be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 5 August 2025

What we offer:
The Florey recruits world-class researchers, both nationally and internationally, and expert professional staff to support our research activities. Our reputation for innovative research and our position as the leading brain research institute in the Southern Hemisphere attracts the best and brightest. We offer:

• Generous salary packaging to maximise your benefits
• Up to 17% superannuation
• Flexible leave entitlements including purchased leave, gender affirmation leave, ceremonial leave along with additional non-gazetted Florey holidays

The Florey is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities

Learn more about working at the Florey at https://florey.edu.au/careers-and-study/working-at-the-florey/

About Us

With a 50-year history, the Florey is the largest brain research centre in the Southern Hemisphere, with teams of researchers dedicated to building knowledge on a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Our expertise, collaborations and world-class facilities mean that our knowledge can be accelerated into impact – finding treatments and advancing clinical practice to improve the lives of people living with brain and mental health conditions.

Globally there is a sense of urgency to find causes, interventions and cures for conditions affecting the brain, and a growing need for new or improved treatments for mental health conditions. The Florey has been on the forefront of this research for over 50 years, improving understanding of the body’s most elusive organ.

Find out more about our research impact here: https://florey.edu.au/our-research/impact/