Role Type: 12 month full time parental leave cover

Salary: $89,080 p.a plus super (pro rata if part time)

Make a real difference to preterm babies' lives
Flexible working & part-time (0.8 EFT) options available
Join a world-class team at Melbourne Children's Campus

The opportunity:
Join our Neonatal Research Group's Discovery & Diagnostic team, where we're making respiratory support safer and gentler for preterm babies during their most important early days. Using stem cell, preclinical and proteomic technologies, this NHMRC-funded lung injury program offers a Research Assistant role on a 12-month fixed-term contract covering parental leave. Working under Dr Prue Pereira-Fantini, you'll build skills across stem cell culture, large animal modelling, histology/morphometric analysis, biobanking and proteomics. Whilst full-time, flexible working arrangements may be negotiated, and candidates seeking part-time (0.8 EFT) will be considered.

What you’ll do

Conduct high-quality research in stem cell culture, biobanking and proteomics
Contribute to data generation supporting research and publications
Maintain accurate records, lab books and data storage
Follow study protocols, SOPs and guidelines with strong attention to detail
Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the campus

What you’ll bring

Degree/Honours/Masters in Science or a related discipline, with relevant lab experience
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Strong time management, organisational and problem-solving skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
High attention to detail and confident use of Microsoft Office Suite

Please view the position description here .

Any questions? Reach out to Dr Prue Pereira-Fantini prue.pereira@mcri.edu.au .

What you’ll enjoy

Enjoy flexible work arrangements — ask your People Leader about onsite requirements for this role
A unique opportunity to join a highly respected research institute
Work alongside a team dedicated to making a real difference
Play a key role in advancing work at Australia's largest child health research institute
Access a range of salary packaging options — covering entertainment, novated leases and more
Feel supported through our health and wellbeing program, including complimentary access to the Employee Assistance Program

Who we are

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.

We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.

Apply now!

If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply by submitting:

Your resume
A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.

We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier-free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.

For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment Team at recruitment@mcri.edu.au. Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

No recruitment agencies please.

Applications close: Wednesday 14 October 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight time

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