Research Assistant at The Kids Research Institute Australia

Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

20 Apr, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

RNA biochemistry, Molecular immunology, RNA purification, DNA purification, HPLC, PCR, Western blotting, Protein expression, Cell culture, Cytotoxicity assays, Immunofluorescence microscopy, Confocal imaging, Flow cytometry, Animal models, Data analysis, Statistical software

Industry

Research Services

Description

The Opportunity We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join the Sarcoma Translational Research team based at Perth Children’s Hospital. Working under the guidance of Postdoctoral Researchers, you will contribute to research focused on developing RNA-based cancer immunotherapies. This hands-on laboratory role calls for a specialist capable of executing high-quality RNA biochemistry, molecular immunology, and in vitro and in vivo testing of treatment efficacy, toxicity and immunogenicity. Some of your duties include: RNA/DNA purification and quantification using HPLC, PCR, and western blotting. Plasmid design, protein expression, and purification. Maintenance of human and mouse cancer cell and immune cell cultures. Cytotoxicity assays, immunofluorescence microscopy, and confocal imaging. Preparation and characterisation of nanoparticles and delivery systems. Flow cytometry panel design and multicolour data analysis. In vivo mouse handling, tumour inoculation, and treatment studies. Data analysis using statistical software (GraphPad Prism, R, or Python). Collating, organising, and presenting experimental results. This is a full-time, one-year contract based at our offices in Nedlands. About You To be successful in this role, you should possess the following skills and experience: A relevant degree in a biomedical field. High-level technical and analytical skills, particularly in RNA biochemistry (synthesis, modification, purification). Experience working with animal models. Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Commitment to ethical research practices, including animal and GMO compliance. Desirable: Experience in RNA immune sensing pathways. Background in cancer immunology or immunotherapy. At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit, support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we: Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups. Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages. Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive. Partner with communities to strengthen cultural awareness and belonging. Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups. We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can. Alongside our inclusive culture, you’ll enjoy: Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter. Salary packaging and entertainment benefits. Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events. Flexible and hybrid working options. Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning. Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities. Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance. How to apply If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application. Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section. Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact recruitment@thekids.org.au. #LI-DNI Click here for the Job Description Contact Name: Joost Lesterhuis Contact Email: joost.lesterhuis@thekids.org.au Closing Date: 23/04/2026 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date. The Kids Research Institute Australia is committed to being champions of gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities and people living with disability. As such we are a proud Bronze award recipient of the first Australian Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program. We acknowledge that when working in environments which contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, it is imperative that Aboriginal people are at the forefront of this work. We have launched the Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and researchers employed in the Institute who provide guidance and support in our work in Aboriginal health.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will contribute to the development of RNA-based cancer immunotherapies by performing high-quality laboratory experiments and data analysis. Responsibilities include RNA/DNA purification, cell culture maintenance, nanoparticle preparation, and in vivo mouse studies.