Research Assistant – Pathways to PhD Program for NZ Graduates

The Heart Research Institute; Sydney; On-site; AUD 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Accommodation support

Equal opportunity employer

Mentorship and training

Job summary

The Heart Research Institute in Newtown, Sydney invites NZ graduates to join the Pathways to PhD Program for a 12‑month paid placement in the Cardiac Biology and Regeneration Lab, with mentorship and training toward doctoral studies in cardiovascular research.

NZ citizenship and a four‑year BSc Honours are required; a Masters by research is desirable. The package includes ~AUD 85,000 plus super, PhD stipend, relocation assistance, and return flight to NZ.

Qualifications

• Four-year BSc Honours (research project-based) is required.
• NZ citizenship residing in NZ is required to qualify for this opportunity.
• Experience with cardiomyocytes and molecular biology techniques is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the Cardiac Biology and Regeneration Lab projects.
• Perform molecular biology assays including RNA isolation and qPCR.
• Conduct histology and immunohistochemistry to support cardiovascular research.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to team-driven research efforts.

Skills

Mouse handling

Dissections

Cardiomyocytes experience

Molecular biology techniques

Immunohistochemistry & microscopy

Histology

Teamwork & collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science Honours (4-year)

Masters by Research (preferred)

Tools

qPCR

Western blot

RNA isolation

Job description

Research Assistant – Pathways to PhD Program for NZ Graduates

The Heart Research Institute – Newtown NSW

THE HEART RESEARCH INSTITUTE (HRI) is an internationally recognised Medical Research Institute that performs ground-breaking cardiovascular research from our state-of-the-art facilities located in Newtown. For over 30 years, HRI has been one of Australia's leading research organisations working to detect, prevent and treat heart disease. Our research has made significant findings that have changed the way we treat and live with cardiovascular disease.

HRI is offering a Research Assistant placement under the newly established and well-funded Cardiac Biology and Regeneration Lab. This is an exciting opportunity for Honours graduates from New Zealand considering a career in medical research, including the pursuit of doctoral studies. The position offers up to 12-months’ paid work placement at HRI’s state-of-the-art laboratories in Sydney, Australia. This fantastic program ensures you will receive training and full mentorship in groundbreaking cardiovascular disease research, as well as the opportunity to build your career profile towards a PhD.

In addition to the benefits of working at an internationally recognised medical research institute, the program pays approximately AUD $85,000 plus superannuation contributions for the first year, plus a PhD stipend and the opportunity to extend your stay and complete a PhD with the HRI. Should the successful candidate obtain an external PhD Scholarship, HRI will provide a top up scholarship. It also includes a paid return flight from New Zealand and two weeks of accommodation assistance upon arrival in Sydney.

Cardiac Biology and Regeneration Lab

The Cardiac Biology and Regeneration Lab led by Dr Nicholas Lam investigates mechanisms that drive cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration, with the goal of developing transformative therapies to restore heart function after myocardial infarction and heart failure. Research strategies include the use of genetically modified mouse models, modified RNA technologies, molecular biology, imaging, and functional assessment techniques. You will be provided with mentorship, training, support and career development opportunities to advance your career.

We offer:

• Convenient location in vibrant inner-city suburb of Newtown
• Easy access to public transport for Sydney’s city and transport links
• Competitive salaryand generous salary packaging benefits
• Flexible work environment
• Rewarding work – making a difference every day to those living with cardiovascular disease

To view all of the benefits of working at HRI, please view our Benefits page:https://www.hri.org.au/join-us/benefits

You must be a New Zealand citizen currently residing in NZ to qualify for this opportunity

You must have completed at minimum a four-year full-time Bachelor of Science Honours degree (research project based), and ideally a recent/upcoming Masters degree by research in a relevant field of study. (First class honours or equivalent is preferable due to the PhD requirements).

• Mouse handling and dissections
• Must commit to HRI values and responsibilities
• High levels of motivation and the capacity for independent work
• A track record of being team focused
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Experience with cardiomyocytes
• Molecular biology skills (RNA isolation, qPCR, protein extraction, western blots)
• Immunohistochemistry and microscopy
• Histology skills

Due to the nature of the funding arrangement, the positions are open only to NZ citizens currently residing in NZ and currently not residing in Australia. HRI will offer relocation assistance, and assistance with the cost of temporary accommodation upon arrival in Sydney.

The Heart Research Institute supports Equal Employment Opportunity.

We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Māori and Pasifika peoples, people with disability, LGBTQI individuals and applicants of diverse cultures and ages.

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees and affiliates and our community. Whoever you are, you are welcome at HRI.