About the role

📋 Role: Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant

📍 Location: Jumar Bioincubator, Melbourne, Australia

🕒 Capacity: Full-time, 12-month contract (with possibility to extend)

Are you a scientist eager to turn passion into purpose? We have two exciting opportunities for Research Assistants to support our Cell Biology and Protein Science teams across a broad range of laboratory functions, from sample and reagent preparation to carrying out key assays. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic biotech environment. You will also have the chance to explore operations and communications and ultimately contribute to translational research that brings lab discoveries closer to clinical care and patient outcomes.

Key responsibilities

🧪 Experimental Design & Preparation

Perform routine laboratory procedures, including sample preparation and reagent generation

Independently design and conduct experiments guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) for protein production or cell biology assays

Assist in the maintenance and culture of cell lines, primary human cells, and biochemical assays

📝 Communication & Documentation

Maintain organised laboratory records, ensuring data integrity and compliance with documentation standards including supporting the writing of SOPs and risk assessments

Compile and summarise results for internal reports and team discussions

Participate in team meetings, providing updates on experimental progress and contributing to discussions on methodology and troubleshooting

💼 Lab Operations

Support general laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and waste disposal.

Monitor and manage laboratory supplies, ensuring the availability of critical reagents and consumables

Adhere to all safety protocols

Essential experience & skills

A BSc with Honours/Masters degree or equivalent degree in a cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline (or equivalent laboratory experience)

Strong organisational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to execute experimental protocols with precision

Eagerness to acquire new technical skills and integrate into a fast-paced, collaborative research environment

A team player who embodies our values and champions our team culture

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Good record-keeping skills, including use of ELNs or LIMS for sample and data tracking

Cell biology role skills

Essential skills

Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique, including maintenance and transfection of adherent and/or suspension lines

Experience performing standard cell-based assays (e.g. viability, cytokine release, reporter assays)

Competency in flow cytometry and Western blotting

Desirable skills

Experience working in human immunology including with primary human cells

Experience in immune cell phenotypic and functional assays

Familiarity with gene modulation tools such as CRISPR or lentiviral transduction

Protein science role skills

Essential skills

Proficiency with routine protein handling, buffer preparation, and protein storage practices

Proficiency in biochemical protein characterisation techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and BCA assays

Experience with recombinant protein expression in E. coli and/or mammalian cells (e.g. HEK293, CHO)

Experience in protein purification using affinity chromatography and SEC, ideally via FPLC (e.g. ÄKTA systems)

Desirable skills

Experience expressing and purifying different antibody formats (e.g. IgG, scFv, VHH, bispecifics)

Experience with biophysical characterisation tools (e.g. SPR, BLI, SEC-MALS)

Experience with protein developability assays (e.g. aggregation, solubility, thermal stability)

Why Join Proxima Bio

Proxima Bio is a biotech start-up developing the next generation of cell surface degrader medicines. At Proxima Bio, we believe that great science happens when people are supported, empowered, and excited to work together. Our culture is people-centric, team-driven, and flexible – we’ll work with you to develop a working style that fits best while ensuring career development and job satisfaction are priorities.

We’re a highly motivated, collaborative, and diverse team that values both impact and enjoyment in our work. As part of Proxima Bio, you’ll have the autonomy to grow in a dynamic, fast-paced and fun environment while contributing to research that makes a real difference. The successful candidate will also be eligible for share options, becoming a part-owner of Proxima Bio over time. Salary is commensurate with an industry role and dependent on experience. Research Assistant is offered at a base salary of $80,000 - $100,000 per year and Senior Research Assistant at a base salary of $95,000-$115,000 per year.

Please send any enquiries to [email protected]

We highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.