"Research Technician"

Role type:

Full time and Fixed term for 24 months

Faculty:

Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Department / School:

Department of Anatomy and Physiology

Salary:

UOM5 - $86,943 – 99,864 p.a. plus 17% super

• Dive into interdisciplinary research / Contribute to autism modelling / Foster a collaborative and diverse lab culture
• Apply now to be part of a pioneering research program exploring sensory processing and behaviour in zebrafish
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity:

As a valued member of our research team, you will maintain our zebrafish colony, contributing to innovative studies on neurocircuitry and sensory processing. You'll have the chance to engage in interdisciplinary research, utilising cutting-edge techniques like calcium imaging and optogenetic manipulations. This role offers you the opportunity to collaborate with diverse experts and make significant contributions to both basic and translational neuroscience.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing our Zebrafish Colony: Handle and breed zebrafish, conduct genotyping, and maintain detailed records for research purposes.
• Providing Laboratory Support: Assist with molecular biology techniques, maintain laboratory organisation, and support research scientists and students.
• Ensuring Compliance and Safety: Uphold university policies, contribute to lab meetings, and adhere to OH&S responsibilities.

You may be a great fit if:

You will have a BSc (Hons) in Biology or Neuroscience, excellent communication skills, and experience with bench techniques and experimental design.

You may also:

• Have experience working with Zebrafish
• Have experience in research data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrate proficiency in DNA sequencing, PCR, and basic microscopy.
• Be familiar with zebrafish and molecular biology techniques like subcloning and CRISPR gene editing.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – “Scott Lab”

The lab (led by Professor Ethan Scott) uses a very broad experimental platform, ranging from optical physics to mathematics, to discover and describe brain function and behaviour. This work hinges on brain-wide cellular-resolution calcium imaging in the zebrafish model system, complemented by anatomical descriptions, targeted optogenetic manipulations, mathematical modelling, and behavioural analysis. Our goals are both basic (the elucidation of sensory pathways) and translational (the circuit-level modelling of autism endophenotypes), and we welcome new members with either focus. This work is challenging and rewarding, and best suited to researchers who value broad, interdisciplinary approaches to big questions in neuroscience. Culturally, our lab values diversity in all forms, and cultivates a mutually supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au for further information and support.

Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!

If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Corey Menadue hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close:

11 January 2026 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.