Research Assistant

The University of Western Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Generous paid leave including parental

Up to 17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Incremental progression

Course discounts

Discounted health insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is seeking a motivated candidate to support the RNA Innovation Foundry's day-to-day operations in a leading research facility in Western Australia. This fixed-term, full-time role focuses on reagent preparation, inventory management, and coordinating project progress with researchers and industry partners.

You will assist with data management, SOP implementation, and maintain accurate records while contributing to a collaborative, high-quality research

Qualifications

• Diploma-level qualification with relevant work experience, or Certificate IV with relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of basic bioinformatics or data analysis tools.
• Ability to follow established laboratory protocols.
• Good organisational skills and detailed record keeping.
• Strong written and verbal communication in a research setting.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations of a specialized RNA manufacturing laboratory.
• Coordinate project tracking, customer communications and product delivery activities.
• Maintain quality records, manage client databases, and assist SOP implementation.

Skills

Bioinformatics basics

Lab protocols

Documentation & data recording

Written and verbal communication

Education

Diploma-level qualification with relevant experience or Certificate IV

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

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...

• Support cutting-edge mRNA manufacturing in a leading research facility.
• Assist with laboratory operations and customer support for innovative research.
• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 1 year.
• Base salary range: $80,293 – $85,291 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The RNA Innovation Foundry (RIF) is a dedicated RNA manufacturing facility supported by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Scheme, the WA State Government and The University of Western Australia. The facility manufactures high-quality mRNA for pre-clinical research, helping researchers accelerate scientific discovery without the need to establish their own manufacturing capability.

As part of a collaborative research environment, the RIF supports the scale-up and delivery of mRNA products for researchers and industry partners across Western Australia, contributing to therapeutic innovation and research translation.

About the opportunity

• Support the day-to-day operations of a specialised RNA manufacturing laboratory, including reagent preparation, laboratory inventory management, consumables purchasing and basic equipment upkeep.
• Coordinate project tracking, customer communications and product delivery activities, ensuring stakeholders are informed of manufacturing schedules and order progress.
• Contribute to laboratory quality and efficiency through accurate record keeping, maintenance of client databases, support for SOP implementation, data management and project administration.

About you

• Completion of a diploma-level qualification with relevant work experience, or a Certificate IV with relevant work experience in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry or related disciplines, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic bioinformatics or data analysis tools, or similar software in a research or academic setting.
• Ability to follow established laboratory protocols and analysis workflows accurately and reliably.
• Well-developed organisational skills with attention to detail and the ability to maintain detailed experimental and data records.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills suitable for a research support environment.

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.

Occasional out-of-hours work may be required by the successful applicant.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 27 September 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

• 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.