Research Officer

About The Team

The Personalised Medicine Centre is a joint initiative between Murdoch University and the Perron Institute, bringing together leading researchers and clinicians to advance personalised medicine. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to developing tailored treatments based on individual genetic and lifestyle factors. We focus on a wide range of critical health challenges, including genetic therapies, genomics, motor neurone disease, sepsis, immunogenomics, drug hypersensitivity, cognitive health, muscular dystrophy, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, myositis, and multiple sclerosis.

To learn about our Centre’s research groups, please visit:

https://www.murdoch.edu.au/research/hfi/our-centres/personalised-medicine-centre

Your New Role!  

The Research Officer provides research and technical expertise to support the delivery of the Centre’s research programs, including planning and conducting research activities, contributing to experimental design, and supporting the preparation of research outputs. The purpose of this position is to contribute to PMC’s research program focusing particularly on nucleic acid drug development and the evaluation of their efficacies in cultured cells (in vitro) and animal models (in vivo). In particular, you will require significant expertise in the use of induced pluripotent stem cells in drug screening to meet the requirements of specific research studies.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Assist the Project Leads as needed, in the design and conduct of experiments using induced pluripotent stems cells and/or differentiated cells in drug screening.
• Co-ordinate research experiments, data analysis and interpretation and other activities.
• Design and conduct experiments using tissue culture, molecular biology, and immunochemistry.
• Perform research into the manipulation of transcript splicing to modify gene expression for the desired outcomes, using antisense oligomer-based techniques and apply to normal and patients’ cells in vitro and in vivo animal models.
• Regularly update the research progress to research leaders and participate in research meetings.
• Analyse data and assist with the preparation of research papers for scholarly journals.
• Comply with the requirements of OHS for the laboratory, including compliance with legislative authorities such as OGTR (Office of the Gene Technology Regulator) and AQIS (Australian Quarantine Inspection Service) during handling, disposal and storage of biologicals and chemicals.
• Comply with systems and processes that are in place for the appropriate storage, handling and disposal of biohazard materials, chemicals and reagents.

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (12 Months) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $91,000 – $98,000 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.   

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Enjoy a 2% salary increase under the Enterprise Agreement, effective July 2026
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Completion of a degree with Honours qualification and/or with subsequent combination of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in the use of induced pluripotent stems cells and cellular differentiation processes.
• Experience to work under broad direction only, whilst also working effectively as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines whilst remaining flexible in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to successfully assist with the supervision of honours, postgraduate and HDR students in new techniques and laboratory procedures.
• High levels of written and oral communication skills in English.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Prof. Steve Wilton, Foundation Chair in Molecular Therapies [email protected] and quote JR104835 as the reference.

Applications Close on 10/03/2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.