Postdoctoral Research Associate - School of Human Sciences

The University of Western Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 93,000 - 117,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Generous paid leave

Up to 17% superannuation

Job summary

The University of Western Australia invites applications for a Part‑time Postdoctoral Research Associate in the School of Human Sciences. The role, based in Western Australia, supports RNA therapeutics research within the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics (ACRTC). The appointment is for 24 months at 0.8 FTE, with a base salary of AUD 116,866 p.a.

pro‑rata plus 17% superannuation. You will design and manufacture alternative RNA formats, conduct molecular biology work, and collaborate with a

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline, with a developing track record of peer‑reviewed research outputs.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, data interpretation and the application of molecular biology or biochemical approaches to complex biological questions.
• Experience working in collaborative, multidisciplinary research environments and contributing to research outcomes across teams, institutions or industry partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Design, manufacture and optimise alternative RNA formats to support therapeutic discovery and development in cancer.
• Conduct high‑quality molecular biology and biochemical research, including RNA production workflow optimisation and preliminary in vitro or cell‑based testing.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers, industry partners and external stakeholders to generate high‑impact publications and support research translation.

Skills

RNA biology

Experimental design

Data interpretation

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in molecular biology or biochemistry

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - School of Human Sciences

• The University of Western Australia
• Australia, WA
• Aug 14, 2026

Science

About The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is one of Australia's leading universities and has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research.It has almost 24,000 students enrolled across four...

• Access a globally unique RNA dataset and collaborate with leaders in AI and RNA science.
• Help advance RNA and cancer therapeutics from research through to real-world applications.
• Part-time (0.8 FTE) appointment on a fixed term basis for 24 months.
• Base salary range: Level A, $116,866 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer (ACRTC) is a nationally significant RNA innovation hub based in Western Australia, dedicated to translating cutting‑edge RNA science into real treatments for aggressive cancers. The Centre brings together RNA technologists, oncologists, computational biologists, AI/ML engineers, patient advocates, and industry partners to design, synthesise, test, and optimise RNA‑based medicines, with a focus on hard‑to‑treat cancers including sarcoma, glioblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, triple‑negative breast cancer, lung cancer, and multiple myeloma.

ACRTC is hosted by the UWA School of Human Sciences and funded by the Cancer Research Trust in collaboration with UWA, Therapeutics Innovation Australia, the WA Department of Health, Cancer Council of WA, Harry Perkins Institute, Telethon Kids Institute, Curtin University, and industry partners.

ACRTC is now strengthened by a substantive funding programme for the next 5 years, developing next‑generation mRNA molecules with enhanced structural stability and extended therapeutic duration. Known as RNA Optimisation for Biological Utility and Stability (ROBUST), the programme brings together four interconnected capabilities: (1) Computation, AI & RNA Multi‑omics, (2) RNA Structure & Interactions, (3) Compartmentalisation & Condensates, and (4) Alternative RNA Formats. The findings from this interdisciplinary team will be integrated for application within identified clinical use cases, thus forging a clear path from fundamental research to clinical impact.

The position sits concurrently within Capability 4: Alternative RNA Formats of the ROBUST programme, where you will work as part of a team to understand how RNA structures and interactions influence stability, intracellular processing, and therapeutic performance of mRNA, and develop one of the most data‑rich RNA design platforms in the world. It is concurrently situated within the RNA Innovation Foundry (RIF), ACRTC’s affiliated RNA production facility. RIF serves as the Western Australian node of a national network of RNA production facilities, offering researchers streamlined access to state‑of‑the‑art technology and expertise in high‑throughput production of RNA therapeutics for pre‑clinical research.

About the opportunity

• Design, manufacture and optimise alternative RNA formats, including circular RNA, self‑amplifying RNA and alternatively polyA‑tailed mRNA, to support therapeutic discovery and development in cancer.
• Conduct high‑quality molecular biology and biochemical research, including experimental design, RNA production workflow optimisation, preliminary in vitro or cell‑based testing, data interpretation and research reporting.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers, industry partners and external stakeholders to generate high‑impact publications, support research translation and identify opportunities for intellectual property development.

About you

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline, with a developing track record of peer‑reviewed research outputs.
• Demonstrated experience in RNA biology, synthetic biology, genetic engineering, cell biology or a closely related area, with the ability to design and conduct rigorous independent research.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, data interpretation and the application of molecular biology or biochemical approaches to complex biological questions.
• Experience working in collaborative, multidisciplinary research environments and contributing to research outcomes across teams, institutions or industry partnerships.
• Demonstrated interest in translating research into real‑world impact, including intellectual property development, commercialisation pathways or therapeutic innovation.

Note

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to complete declarations in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender‑based Violence. A current National Police Clearance will be required by the successful applicant.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 13 September 2026.

This position is open to international applicants.

• Flexible working options.
• Generous paid leave including parental leave.
• Up to 17% employer paid superannuation.
• Salary packaging available.
• Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.
• Up to 25% discount on eligible UWA full‑fee courses.
• Discounted health insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. To enable a quick response, please include the 6‑digit job reference number.