Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You'll find we're about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you'll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

The Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation Fellow (Cell Environment) is a prestigious fellowship supported by the Foundation to drive the translation of therapies to treat spinal cord injury.

The Research Fellow will work under the direction of Prof James St John, head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, within the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics at Griffith University. The Research Fellow will work on identifying in vitro cell culture conditions that improve production of olfactory ensheathing cells for human therapeutic use.

The position will work within the Spinal Injury Project team which is delivering a clinical trial of a cell transplantation therapy for treating spinal cord injuries. The project involves a large multi-disciplinary group, including cell biologists, molecular biologists, bioengineers and surgeons, and involves considerable community and clinician engagement.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

Conduct laboratory research that identifies and tests new cell culturing conditions that improve cell production

Perform analysis of cell production outcomes using cellular and molecular biology techniques.

Perform in vitro animal and human cell research that contributes to the Centre’s research projects as appropriate to research skills

Work with clinicians to manage collection of biopsies and patient data

Develop intellectual property and/or a good publication record in high impact, international, esteemed peer-reviewed journals and seek competitive funding

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and University policies and procedures

This is a fixed-term full time position for two and a half years. The position will preferably be based at the Brisbane South (Nathan) campus but, if preferred by the successful applicant, could be based at the Gold Coast campus as the Centre has laboratories at both campuses. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations.

Griffith University's campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range:
The full-time equivalent base salary for a Research Fellow (Grade 1) is in the range $88,690 - $103,889 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $103,767 - $121,550 per annum.

Qualifications
The successful applicant will have a PhD in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of qualifications and/or experience. You will have research experience in human and rodent glial cell production, primary cell work, general cell and molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Experience in cell culture and aseptic techniques is essential. Prior experience with 3D cell culturing techniques and proven experience in innovative approaches to research and cell culture are highly desirable. You will have strong time-management skills, excellent attention to detail, good communication skills and strong capabilities of working in a large team.

The successful candidate will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively across multiple projects.

Applicants are required to have unrestricted Australian work rights. Visa sponsorship in not available for this position.

Additional information
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities

Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment

Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts

Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

How to apply
Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, please refer to the qualifications above and the position description

Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Further information
For further information about this role, please contact Professor James St John at the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research. Mobile +61 (0) 405 460 804 or email [email protected].

Closing date: 11:59pm Friday 25 July 2025. All applications must be submitted online.