Research Officer – Behavioural Neuroscientist 
Location: Parkville

• $98,850 - $102,353 per annum Salary + up to 17% Superannuation and salary packaging
• 24-month, Fixed-Term
• Parkville location

The role

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is seeking a highly motivated Research Officer – Behavioural Neuroscientist to join the Synapse Biology and Cognition Laboratory within the Mental Health Research Priority Area.
This is an exciting opportunity to independently lead complex in vivo behavioural neuroscience experiments, integrating rodent behaviour with cutting-edge neural imaging techniques to advance our understanding of cognition and mental health disorders.

The position will take a leading role in the design and execution of longitudinal in vivo experiments combining rodent behavioural paradigms with miniscope calcium imaging and/or fibre photometry.
You will manage experiments end-to-end — from stereotaxic surgery and behavioural testing through to neural data acquisition, validation, and analysis — while contributing to publications, grant applications, and the supervision of junior researchers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute in vivo experiments integrating neural recording with behavioural paradigms
• Independently perform stereotaxic surgeries, including viral delivery and GRIN lens or fibre implantation
• Design and implement complex behavioural assays, including touchscreen-based cognitive testing
• Coordinate simultaneous neural and behavioural data acquisition with high reproducibility and quality
• Operate, maintain, and optimise miniscope and fibre photometry systems
• Conduct histology and validation (immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis)
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grants, and research reporting
• Supervise and mentor students and research assistants
• Collaborate with clinical and translational partners (e.g. Psychiatry, University of Melbourne)
• Ensure compliance with animal ethics, data governance, and institutional guidelines

About you:

You are an independent, detail-oriented behavioural neuroscientist who thrives in complex experimental environments and enjoys leading technically demanding research programs.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD in neuroscience, physiology, biomedical science, or a related field
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed research publications as lead contributor
• Strong expertise in rodent behavioural neuroscience and in vivo neural recording
• Proven experience in small animal stereotaxic surgery and cranial implants
• Solid understanding of neural circuits underlying cognition and behaviour
• Experience with histology, immunostaining, and fluorescence microscopy

Desirable:

• Hands-on experience with miniscope calcium imaging and/or fibre photometry
• Programming and data analysis skills (e.g. MATLAB, Python)

How to Apply

Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume outlining your relevant experience and interests. You may also be asked to consent to a criminal record check.

Detailed information and key responsibilities are available from the Position Description. For enquiries, please contact our People Team on employment@florey.edu.au.

Applications close on Friday 24 April 2026.

The preferred applicant for this job will be asked to consent to a police check.

Why Join Us?
•    Be part of a purpose-driven team making a tangible impact.
•    Work in a collaborative environment that values innovation and inclusivity.
•    Flexible working arrangements available.

Working at the Florey:

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. Learn more about our Research Impact.

Our reputation for innovative research and our position as the leading brain research institute in the Southern Hemisphere attracts the best and brightest. Connected by our shared mission to improve lives through brain and mental health research, The Florey provides a dynamic and inspiring workplace where you can develop your career. We have a deep commitment to diversity and creating an inclusive workplace culture where our people can excel and thrive and support our exceptional people to make a positive impact on the local and global research community.

Learn more about working at the Florey here.

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