Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term to 31 December 2026
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Biosciences / Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute
Salary: UOM 5 - $85,238 - $97,906 p.a. plus 17% super

• Powering innovation through advanced research, world-class facilities, and expert collaboration.
• Apply now to join a dynamic research team exploring novel mechanisms in sperm production and function.
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity
Join the Male Infertility and Germ Cell Biology Laboratory at the University of Melbourne as a Research Assistant. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to high-quality research that aims to define the fundamental cell biology of sperm production and function. Working alongside Dr. Jessica Dunleavy, an ARC DECRA Fellow, you'll utilize a multidisciplinary range of approaches, including advanced microscopy, molecular biology, and protein biochemistry, to explore novel mechanisms of microtubule regulation and their impact on male germ cell development.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Research Contribution: Assist with the design and implementation of research methods, including high quality data collection and data analysis, contributing to the team's research efforts with increasing autonomy.
• Project Support: Support researchers in planning and managing research projects, ensuring appropriate processes are followed, and research activities are well-coordinated to meet project milestones and reporting schedules.
• Academic Output and Funding Contributions: : Assist researchers in the preparation of scholarly publications and of research proposals for internal and external funding bodies.
• Technical Guidance: Provide technical guidance to Dr. Dunleavy and research students and assist with complex experiments and data analysis as needed.

You may be a great fit if:
You are an experienced research professional with a strong background in cell and molecular biology, microscopy, and a demonstrated ability to support high-quality, multidisciplinary research in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

You may also:

• Have a relevant tertiary qualification in a related field, such as biology, biochemistry, or molecular sciences.
• Possess expertise in advanced microscopy techniques, including fluorescence and electron microscopy.
• Demonstrate proficiency in molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques.
• Exhibit strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and analyse complex data.
• Have experience in laboratory management, including equipment maintenance, biosafety, and regulatory compliance.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Be highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team - School of Biosciences
The School of Biosciences was formed in 2015 through the amalgamation of the School of Botany and the Departments of Genetics and Zoology thus bringing together a critical mass of 160 Academic staff and 240 Research Higher Degree students undertaking world class teaching and research in the biological sciences. The school is a major contributor to the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Biomedical Science and the Environmental Science programs, its teaching program reflecting the research interests within the school.
The faculty of science is home to seven schools: Agriculture, Food & Ecosystem Sciences; Biosciences; Chemistry; Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences; Mathematics & Statistics; Physics; and Melbourne Veterinary School. Science at Melbourne is a global leader across discovery and applied scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system.

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.
We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.
Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected] for further information and support.

Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!
If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses to the following four Selection Criteria are provided in a separate document

1. Completion of a BSc Honours or higher in cell and molecular biology or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
2. Demonstrated laboratory experience in a research environment.
3. Demonstrated experience in high-end imaging techniques, such as cryo-, scanning and/or transmission electron microscopy, confocal and/or super resolution fluorescence microscopy, including experience in data analysis.
4. Demonstrated experience in key techniques used in molecular and cell biology.

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Anna Gradoboeva [email protected]. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.
For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close: 16 November 11:55 PM; Melbourne Time Zone.
Position Description: JR-005577 Research Assistant in Male Germ Cell Biology_PD.pdf