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 Banking) 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 developing a cell bank of human olfactory ensheathing cells for transplantation. The Research Fellow will use and develop a range of in vitro cell culture protocols to isolate, purify and identify the cell populations, including progenitor populations, and will then develop and optimise a protocol for human cell banking for long-term storage to meet appropriate regulatory requirements.

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 to determine protocols for cell banking of human glial cells.

Use cellular and molecular analyses to identify changes in cell populations at various stages including before and after banking.

Work with clinicians to manage collection of biopsies and patient data.

Work with industry partners to improve and adopt cell production and storage practices.

Perform in vitro and in vivo cell research using animal and human biopsy samples for related projects within the Centre as appropriate to research skills.

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

Lead and promote compliance with relevant legislation and University policies and procedures

This is a fixed-term full time position for three 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 2) is in the range $113,226 - $134,460 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $132,474 - $157,318 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 and general cell biology. Experience in cell culture and aseptic techniques is essential. Prior experience in a cellular therapy laboratory, 3D cell culturing techniques and cell banking is highly desirable. You will have strong time-management skills and 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.

Visa sponsorship may be available to the successful candidate if required.

Why join Griffith?
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 8 August 2025. All applications must be submitted online.