• Join a world-leading, independent medical research institute
• Contribute to the health of future generations/children through medical research
• Located in Westmead - Australia’s foremost biomedical research precinct

The Research Officer is responsible for supporting the new established projects in Translational Vectorology Research Unit (TVRU).

Together we are making a difference for kids living with genetic disease.

About CMRI

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the nation’s most highly regarded independent medical research centres. CMRI’s research programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and committed research and support staff. In a collaborative effort with the University of Sydney and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN), CMRI has built a world-leading gene therapy program, capturing the entire translational journey from idea to therapeutic reality, including clinical viral vector manufacturing facility. Aligned with our growing efforts in the gene therapy space, in 2016 CMRI has established TVRU, which specializes in the development and validation of novel recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) and development and translation of individualised gene therapeutics for the treatment of rare paediatric genetic conditions. TVRU benefits from direct leadership of Prof Lisowski, a world expert in the fields of vectorology and vector-based gene therapies. In addition to highly dedicated and motivated researchers, our achievements are made possible by a loyal network of community supporters, highly engaged donors and the very successful Jeans for Genes® fundraising campaign

Work with a team of dedicated professionals

Applications are invited for a Research Officer positions (postdoctoral researchers) in the TVRU under the direct mentorship of Professor Lisowski. Up to two positions may be available. The newly established project relates to the development of AAV-based gene therapy for a rare neurodevelopmental paediatric disorder. In addition to the development of the therapeutic construct and translational strategy, the research officer(s) joining this project will also lead development and characterisation of preclinical models of the disease, including patient-derived models. The project is philanthropically funded, and thus in addition to being involved in preparation of project reports, the successful candidate(s) will also present progress reports to the funding organisation, which may involve interacting with the families affected by the target disease. The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for working independently and as part of larger research unit, and perform research in the area of AAV vectorology, genetic disorders and stem cell biology under PC2 conditions.

We are looking for a Research Officer to join our team to:

• Manage multiple concurrent experiments and will also be involved in supervision and training of junior members of the research team, including students
• Be responsible for performing a wide range of molecular biology assays including, but not limited to, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA purification, qPCR and ddPCR, blotting and sequencing, including NGS
• Get involved in design, cloning, production, purification and use of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV)
• To do maintenance and manipulation of a wide range of mammalian cell types (immortalized and pluripotent), primary human cells and tissues, cell differentiation and characterisation under BSL2/2+ conditions. Working with animal models may also be required
• Do maintenance of the laboratory and preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Prepare, independently or as part of a team, application to various research committees, including Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)
• Involved in the preparation of presentations, scientific manuscripts and grant applications

A rewarding role in every way

• Full time role – 37.5 hours per week. 12 months Fixed Term contract to begin with
• Excellent not for profit tax benefits
• A flexible and supportive work environment where everyone’s contribution is highly valued

What can you bring to this role?

• PhD and/or MD degree and have hands-on experience in molecular cloning, DNA/RNA biology and cell culture
• Demonstrated the ability to work independently, manage multiple (sometimes competing) priorities and integrate multiple work initiatives into the overall facility goals, while meeting appropriate deadlines
• Strong neuroscience background and those with direct experience related to design and cloning of mammalian expression cassettes and working with preclinical in vitro and in vivo models
• Strong background working with viral vectors, especially adeno associated viral (AAV) vectors is desirable, but not required
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel are required
• Applications are encouraged from enthusiastic and motivated individuals with excellent technical ability and communication skills
• Applications should include a cover letter in their application

Follow us on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/children's-medical-research-institute/

We kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. We will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

The Children’s Medical Research Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing our people. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we embrace diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from those who identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Requirements

Residency

APPLY HERE

Close date: Saturday, 11th October 2025

• Join a world-leading, independent medical research institute
• Contribute to the health of future generations/children through medical research
• Located in Westmead— Australia’s foremost biomedical research precinct

Research Assistant roles at Children's Medical Research Institute's Cell Signalling Group, advancing cancer research using cutting-edge microscopy and molecular biology.

Together we are making a difference for kids living with genetic disease.

CMRI was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the world’s most highly regarded independent medical research organisations. Our research focuses on the four key areas impacting children’s health: cancer, genomics and genetic diseases, neurobiology, and embryology.

The Cell Signalling Unit at CMRI seeks two Research Assistants to support diverse laboratory research activities associated with the study of endocytosis molecular mechanisms and pharmacology. Both roles will work collaboratively as part of a dynamic research team, contributing to experimental work, day-to-day laboratory operations, and training of junior staff. Each role is aligned with a distinct technical focus.

Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are seeking Position 1, Position 2, or are interested in both. Shortlisted candidates may be considered for either role according to skills and interests.

Work with a team of dedicated professionals

We are looking for a Research Assistant to join our team to:

• Arrange, conduct, and support research experiments and projects both independently and as part of a team
• Provide intellectual input into the development of original research concepts
• Contribute to the general organization and management of the Cell Signalling Unit by undertaking tasks such as: conduct enzyme assays, analyse kinetic data, protein purification, bacterial expression of recombinant proteins, cell culture; fixed sample microscopy for high-content imaging; molecular cloning, transfection, transduction; as well as biochemical experiments in sample preparation for proteomics, SDS-PAGE, western blots; and data analysis
• Provide assistance, guidance, and training to junior members of the research team, including supervision of students
• Participate in shared tasks related to the operation of the laboratory
• Undertake administrative duties relevant to research activities, including, but not limited to, preparation of research reports for publication, granting agencies and commercial partners
• Actively participate in Group, Institute, and campus-wide research meetings and seminars
• Contribute to the preparation of papers and reports to maintain a good publication record
• Be aware of cutting-edge research techniques and develop and maintain contact with a collaborative group of scientists
• Assist the Group Leader in preparation of grant applications

A rewarding role in every way

• Full Time role – 37.5 hours per week. 12 months Fixed Term Contract
• Excellent not for profit tax benefits
• A flexible and supportive work environment where everyone’s contribution is highly valued

What can you bring to this role?

Position 1: Enzyme Assays and High-Content Drug Screening. Primary Focus:

• Execution and development of enzyme assays, related to drug development of endocytosis inhibitors, specifically targeting protein kinases and GTPases.
• High-content cell-based screening assays for analysis of endocytosis or related cellular processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, conduct, and analyse enzyme kinetic experiments.
• Perform high-content imaging experiments using fixed cell microscopy.
• Maintain cell cultures for screening.
• Apply molecular cloning, transfection, and transduction techniques for assay development.
• Compile and present data for publication, reporting, and grant applications.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated expertise in biochemical pharmacology: enzyme assay design, setup, and kinetic data analysis.
• Experience with high-content imaging methodologies.
• Strong practical skills in cell biology, molecular biology, and protein expression relevant to enzymatic research.

Position 2: Protein Expression, Characterisation, and Proteomics. Primary Focus:

• Studies on the mechanism of action of endocytosis inhibitors, including a protein kinase AAK1 and the GTPase dynamin
• Broad protein science with emphasis on recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterisation.
• Sample preparation for proteomics and entry-level bioinformatics analysis of proteomics datasets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Clone, express, and purify recombinant proteins in bacterial and/or mammalian systems.
• Characterise proteins using biochemical and biophysical assays (e.g. SDS-PAGE, western blot, multiple assays).
• Prepare samples for mass spectrometry-based proteomic workflows.
• Perform basic bioinformatics analysis of proteomics data.
• Support development of new methods for protein analysis to identify drug binding sites.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven ability with protein expression, purification techniques and methods development.
• Experience preparing samples for quantitative proteomics.
• Proficiency in managing and processing large biological or molecular datasets.
• Introduction to bioinformatics tools for proteomics analysis.

Essential Criteria (Both Roles)

• BSc (Hons) or equivalent in biomedical or biological sciences.
• Minimum 1–2 years laboratory research experience.
• Proficiency with computers, data analysis, and standard software tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving, and organisational ability.

Desirable Criteria

• Prior experience in a PC2 facility.

Follow us on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/children's-medical-research-institute/

We kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. We will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

CMRI is an equal-opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing our people. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we embrace diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from those who identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

APPLY HERE

• Join a world-leading, independent medical research institute
• Contribute to the health of future generations/children through medical research
• Located in Westmead— Australia’s foremost biomedical research precinct

Research Assistant role at Children's Medical Research Institute's Nuclear Dynamics Group, advancing cancer research using cutting-edge microscopy and molecular biology.

Together we are making a difference for kids living with genetic disease.

CMRI was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the world’s most highly regarded independent medical research organisations. Our research focuses on the four key areas impacting children’s health: cancer, genomics and genetic diseases, neurobiology, and embryology.

Candidates are invited to apply for a Research Assistant role in the Nuclear Dynamics Group to work on a fascinating project studying nuclear processes promoting cancer development using highly advanced microscopy. In this project, we aim to understand how the unique nuclear architecture of cancer cells promotes the development of drug-resistance. The project is led by Dr Noa Lamm, the Head of the Nuclear Dynamics Group. This is a fantastic opportunity for researchers to enter a productive laboratory in a dynamic and professional organisation and to work directly with the principal investigators in this exciting research program.

Work with a team of dedicated professionals

We are looking for a Research Assistant to join our team to:

• Support pioneering research on nuclear processes that drive cancer development and drug resistance
• Perform molecular and cell biology techniques, including cell culture, microscopy, cloning, and gene manipulation
• Contribute to the generation and analysis of experimental data to advance the project outcomes
• Collaborate with a dynamic team of scientists, students, and investigators within a world-class research environment

A rewarding role in every way

• Full-time role – 37.5 hours per week
• Excellent not-for-profit tax benefits, including salary packaging, to maximise your take-home pay
• A flexible and supportive work environment where collaboration is encouraged, and every contribution is highly valued

What can you bring to this role?

• Qualifications in biological or biomedical sciences (BSc Hons or equivalent)
• Demonstrated experience in core molecular and cell biology techniques advantage but not necessary
• Experience and knowledge of molecular biology
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research team
• Excellent organisational and communication skills to support laboratory operations and contribute to scientific outputs

Follow us on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/children's-medical-research-institute/

We kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. We will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

CMRI is an equal-opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing our people. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we embrace diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from those who identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Requirements

Work Permit.

APPLY HERE

PHD Research Awards 2022