Research Assistant

Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI); City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 89,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

Health & wellbeing program

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne is seeking a Research Assistant with strong computational genomics experience to join the Brain and Mitochondrial Group. You will help develop a new assay for mitochondrial DNA testing as part of the MitoHOPE Project, while contributing to computational analysis of generated data.

This 4-month parental leave cover role is full-time with part-time hours available for the right candidate, reporting to the Team Leader and collaborating

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification (e.g. BSc) with Honours or Masters, or equivalent experience, training or professional accreditation.
• Substantial practical experience with computational approaches for genomic variant curation (e.g. IGV, MitoReport, HaploGrep, seqr).
• Practical laboratory experience with DNA/RNA extraction and analysis.
• Strong organisational, analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Developing and optimising an assay for mitochondrial DNA amplification.
• Curating genomic variants using leading computational platforms.
• Contributing to publications and presenting research outcomes.
• Supporting the smooth day‑to‑day running of a busy, collaborative laboratory.

Skills

Computational genomics

Genomic variant curation

Organization skills

Communication skills

Education

BSc with Honours or Masters

Tools

IGV

MitoReport

HaploGrep

seqr

Job description

Role Type: 4 month full time parental leave cover

Hours: Full time (part time considered)

Salary: $89,080 - $108,45 p.a plus super (pro rata if part time)

• Shape a groundbreaking mitochondrial DNA testing assay
• Join MCRI's MitoHOPE Project, driving real change for families
• Combine wet‑lab & computational genomics in one impactful role

The Opportunity

We're looking for a Research Assistant with strong experience in computational genomic analysis and functional genomic validation to join the Brain and Mitochondrial Group. You'll play a key role in developing a new assay for testing mitochondrial DNA as part of the MitoHOPE Project — a program aimed at transforming outcomes for families affected by mitochondrial disease — while also contributing to the computational analysis of the genomic data it generates.

Reporting to Team Leader Dr Alison Compton, you'll work closely with researchers across the Brain & Mitochondrial Group, the MitoHOPE co‑ordination team, and other collaborating research groups on campus and beyond.

This is a 4‑month parental leave cover position, offered full-time, with part‑time hours available for the right candidate.

What You’ll Do

• Developing and optimising an assay for mitochondrial DNA amplification
• Curating genomic variants using leading computational platforms
• Contributing to publications and presenting research outcomes
• Supporting the smooth day‑to‑day running of a busy, collaborative laboratory

What You’ll Bring

• A tertiary qualification (e.g. BSc) with Honours or Masters, or equivalent experience, training or professional accreditation
• Substantial practical experience with computational approaches for genomic variant curation (e.g. IGV, MitoReport, HaploGrep, seqr)
• Practical laboratory experience with DNA/RNA extraction and analysis
• Strong organisational, analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team

What You’ll Enjoy

• Play a key role in advancing the MitoHOPE Project at Australia's largest child health research institute
• Work alongside a dedicated team combining wet‑lab and computational genomics to drive real impact for families
• Access salary packaging options covering entertainment, novated leases and more
• Feel supported through our health and wellbeing program, including complimentary EAP access
• Become part of our inclusive, thriving culture through internal committees and community involvement

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.

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.

Applications close: Thursday 1 October 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight time