Research Assistant in Islet Biology

Research Assistant in Islet Biology

locations

Camperdown Campus

time type

Full time

posted on

Posted Yesterday

job requisition id

0151560

• Full time, fixed term for 12 months
• Exciting opportunity to be a Research Assistant in Islet Biology with the School of Medical Sciences
• Base Salary starting from $89,755+ 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Medical Sciences is recognised as one of the leading centres for medical science education in the world. With over 100 years of excellence in education, we are proud to be training the next generation of medical scientists who will be leading members of the medical research community with an innovative integrated curriculum. Our team of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from molecules to medicines, from patient to policy across a range of therapeutic areas.

We are seeking a Research Assistant in Islet Biology to support the development and execution of research activities across islet biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. The role involves contributing to experimental design, conducting laboratory-based research, and performing data collection and analysis, while supporting the delivery of high-quality research outputs, including reports, publications, and grant applications.

The position is based in the Kebede Lab, which focuses on understanding pancreatic beta-cell failure in Type 2 Diabetes. The lab has a particular emphasis on the biology of insulin secretory granules, including their formation, maturation, stabilisation, and trafficking for secretion. To investigate these processes, the team uses advanced approaches such as mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, microscopy, and molecular and cell biology techniques in both in vitro and in vivo models.

This role is supported by an NHMRC Ideas Project grant and offers an opportunity to contribute to research aimed at uncovering new mechanisms to preserve beta-cell function and improve outcomes in diabetes.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• contribute to the design and development of research protocols, ensuring timely execution of research activities
• design and implement insulin secretion assays (static and dynamic/perifusion systems) to evaluate beta-cell function
• support laboratory-based research activities, including islet isolation, molecular assays, protein analysis and biochemical characterisation
• coordinate and submit grant applications, ensuring compliance with all requirements
• provide guidance on research regulations, policies and procedures, ensuring projects align with standards
• assist with data collection, analysis and interpretation, ensuring data quality and accurate record keeping
• collaborate with researchers, clinical specialists and affiliated partners to share findings and progress
• manage the documentation process for research publications and maintain comprehensive research records
• facilitate communication with a broad range of stakeholders, addressing concerns and strengthening collaboration
• undertake other duties appropriate within the classification level as required.

About you

• tertiary qualifications in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience
• experience working in a research-intensive environment and in the higher education sector
• experience in islet biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related laboratory-based research
• experience conducting scientific literature searches and managing research data
• experience managing, reporting and disseminating research data
• skills in data analysis, organisation and time management, attention to detail, research software, computer literacy, communication, customer service and teamwork.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact, Ajaypal Singh, Recruitment Operations by email to ajaypal.singh@sydney.edu.au.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 02 June 2026 11:59 PM