Sydney Brain Bank job advert- Research Assistant level C

Overview of the organisation

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is a leading independent medical research institute whose vision is to prevent and cure disease and disability of the brain and nervous system through leadership, excellence and innovation in neuroscience research. NeuRA has world-class research facilities and is based at Randwick in Sydney.

Overview of the role

The Sydney Brain Bank is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented and highly motivated professional to join our dedicated team. This position will be responsible for collecting, receiving and processing brain and spinal cord specimens to enable high quality tissue samples suitable for a variety of research applications. Other duties will include microtomy of tissues and histological and immunohistochemical staining to enable accurate pathological characterisation of cases. Maintenance of laboratory stocks, equipment and records and assistance with researcher requests for specimens will also be required. This position has an on-call component for out-of-hours (weekend/public holidays) brain collection and dissection and 24/7 freezer monitoring.

Encouraging Indigenous Applications

NeuRA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position.

3 best things about the role

1. It is a unique opportunity to work with the human brain.

2. Being part of a small team where you can also work independently.

3. Opportunity to contribute to research projects by generation of tissue samples.

Measures of success

· In 3 months you will have achieved a solid understanding of the protocols used in the Sydney Brain Bank.

· In 6 months you will have contributed to research through supply of high-quality tissue to researchers.

· In 12 months you will be an integral part of the team and be able to capably handle duties independently, allowing time to be involved in research projects.

Responsibilities of the role

· Receive human brain and spinal cord specimens, perform dissection of fresh tissue and slicing of fixed brain specimens and collection of tissue for tissue requests.

· Liaise with relevant health practitioners/NSW Health staff to collect paperwork necessary for brain and spinal cord removal at mortuary facility. Perform brain and spinal cord removal and transport tissue back to the Sydney Brain Bank.

· Maintain an on-call presence for out-of-hours fresh brain collection/dissection and freezer monitoring. This will require participation in an on-call roster to be available to perform brain and spinal cord collection and fresh tissue dissections (two weekends out of four and on other periods of staff leave) and to be one of two staff on a freezer monitoring roster 24/7.

· Paraffin embedding, sectioning and histological staining of specimens.

· Long-term maintenance and storage of specimens.

· Arrange dispatch of tissue samples by courier to researchers within required timeframes.

· Carry out laboratory duties including overseeing and monitoring of replacement stock, laboratory equipment maintenance and maintenance of records, reports and correspondence as required.

· Teaching of laboratory techniques to students and other staff as required.

· Provide technical and administrative support to the SBB Director, SBB Manager and the research team, and other duties as required.

To succeed in this role, you will need

· A degree or equivalent in a science-based discipline

· Current driver’s licence

· Experience in histological and immunohistochemical techniques

· Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality

· Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team

· Proven ability to show attention to detail and commitment to quality

· Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training

Key skills that would be advantageous

· Experience handling human tissue samples

· Knowledge of neuroanatomy

· Experience with Filemaker database systems

· Ability to accurately plan, execute and document experimental research

· Knowledge of autopsy procedure

Our values

Our values are the essence of our organisation – they are the principles that we live by, and are at the core of everything we do. NeuRA’s values are: Impact. Collaboration. Respect. Excellence. Integrity. Innovation.

NeuRA is committed to improving research quality. Our goals are to:

Raise awareness

Educate, Train & Foster

Promote Openness

Adopt Improvement

How to apply

For more information or a confidential chat about the role, please contact Heather McCann at [email protected].

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria via seek.com.au.

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination in all our employment policies and practices.

Please note that applications will not be accepted via other mediums i.e. email

Closing date: 10 July 2025

EEO and right to work statements & Acknowledgment of Country

You must have the right to live and work in Australia.

NeuRA acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, and extends respect to all Elders past, present, and emerging.