Research Assistant

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Salary Package: $86,087 plus (pro-rata 4 days per week), 17% employer's superannuation contribution and annual leave loading
• Appointment Type: Part-time (0.8 / 4 days per week), fixed-term role until 31st December 2026
• Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

THE ROLE

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences is seeking to appoint a Research Assistant to support a research program in nanomedicine and cancer biology, with a focus on glioblastoma.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will provide technical and operational support across a range of laboratory-based activities. The role will contribute to the development of nanoparticle-based therapeutic strategies and advanced 3D tumour models, supporting both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Some of your key responsibilities include

• Provide technical support for laboratory-based research, including routine and advanced cell culture
• Establish and maintain 3D tumour spheroid models
• Assist with nanoparticle synthesis and physicochemical characterisation
• Perform in vitro assays, including cell viability, uptake, imaging-based analyses, and protein analysis (e.g., Western blot)
• Assist with small animal experiments (e.g., mouse models), including animal handling, dosing, monitoring, and tissue collection under appropriate ethical approvals
• Support histology workflows (tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining)
• Ensure compliance with University policies, PC2 laboratory requirements, WHS regulations, and animal ethics guidelines
• Accurately record experimental data and assist with reporting and documentation

About you

You will be a proactive and detail-oriented research professional with demonstrated experience in laboratory-based biomedical research. You will have strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities while contributing effectively within a collaborative research environment.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (below).

Selection criteria:

• Demonstrated experience in cell culture and aseptic techniques
• Experience in protein analysis techniques (e.g., Western blot)
• Experience working with small animal models (preferably mice) in a research setting
• Experience with 3D cell culture systems (e.g., spheroids, organoids)
• Familiarity with histological techniques

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Guoying Wang, Research Fellow - guoying.wang@mq.edu.au.

This role will require a police/criminal history background check.

Applications Close: Sunday 10th of May 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST).

*** Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.