Position Details

• One-year contract | 0.6FTE
• Higher Education Officer Level 5 | $80,405 - $88,737 p.a.
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
• View Position Description

About the Role

The Research Assistant will play a key role in supporting experimental and procedural aspects of research focused on learning, memory, and the molecular changes associated with dementia-related memory loss. This includes working with cells, tissue samples, plasmids, and proteins, as well as conducting in vivo studies using rodent models. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience in molecular, protein, and cell biology techniques, along with foundational skills in laboratory management and administration. We are seeking a motivated, adaptable individual who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge neuroscience research in a dynamic and high-impact laboratory setting.

About You
To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• Proven proficiency in molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR), protein analysis methods (e.g., Western blotting), histological procedures (e.g., preparation of frozen tissue sections), and cell biology (e.g., cell culture).
• Hands-on experience conducting research experiments involving laboratory mice, including stereotaxic delivery of viral vectors and behavioural or memory testing.
• Experience with laboratory administration and management, ideally within an academic or university setting, including responsibilities such as ordering supplies, inventory control, and database maintenance.
• Strong ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment, with a high level of motivation and a commitment to supporting team goals and research success.

Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute
Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) is a proud leader in life-changing medical and health research in Australia. We are working on some of medicine's greatest unknowns and are leading new discoveries with the bold ambition of eliminating disease and improving the health of all global citizens.

To do this, FHMRI brings together world-leading, innovative, and inspiring research experts. We work with health practitioners, patients and with one of the largest networks of remote and rural community partnerships to better understand and seek solutions to the most pressing health and medical needs.

About the Flinders Health and Medical Research Building
At the beginning of 2022, construction commenced on the $255 million Flinders Health and Medical Research Building (FHMRB). Opening in early 2024, the FHMRB enables researchers, practitioners and industry partners to work together more closely than ever before, creating a hub of collaboration within southern Adelaide's own biomedical research precinct. Located adjacent to Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders Private Hospital, FHMRB is the focal point of research informed by genuine patient need, positioned to make an immediate improvement to people's health and wellbeing.

Life at Flinders
We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Wide range of professional development activities and services
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment
Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• A valid National Police Certificate which is satisfactory to the University will also be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position.
• Please note that you may be required to provide evidence that you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, in line with the Flinders University COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

How to Apply and Information

• To apply online, please visit the Jobs@Flinders website via the job portal: JR0000013453 Research Assistant in Molecular Memory Research.
• As well as a CV, you are required to submit a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the Key Position Capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact Arne Ittner.

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACST) on Sunday, 18 May 2025.
Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.