Research Assistant/Research Officer

The Kids Research Institute Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra annual leave

Salary packaging

Health programs

Hybrid working

Professional development

Sit-to-stand desks

Staff discounts

Job summary

The Kids Research Institute Australia in Perth is seeking a Research Assistant or Research Officer to conduct laboratory-based projects in paediatric oncology, focusing on RNA biochemistry and molecular biology to develop RNA-based cancer immunotherapies.

Based at Nedlands, the role is full-time for an initial 18-month appointment, reporting to senior scientists and contributing to data analysis, report preparation, and publications.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will hold a degree (Honours/Masters/PhD) in a biomedical field, and will demonstrate:
• Experience with RNA biochemistry: synthesis, modification, purification.
• Knowledge of molecular biology and cell biology research methodologies.
• Excellent organisational skills, flexibility and ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• High personal motivation and ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory activities including PCR, Western blotting, RNA/DNA purification and quantification.
• Conduct cell-based assays, including mammalian cell culture, cell stimulation and analysis of cellular responses.
• Carry out other laboratory assays as required and participate in the day-to-day running of the laboratory in cooperation with other researchers.
• Conduct data analysis using statistical software (GraphPad Prism, R, or Python).
• Assist with the preparation of scientific reports, figures for publications or conference presentations and preparation of relevant correspondence.

Skills

RNA biochemistry

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Interpersonal skills

Education

Biomedical degree (Honours/Masters/PhD)

Tools

GraphPad Prism

R

Python

Job description

The Opportunity

The Sarcoma Translational Research team aims to develop new, safeand effective treatments for children with sarcoma and other extra-cranialsolid cancers. Our research focuses on the development of novel immune-basedtherapies, for application in the local context, including application in thepost-surgical area after removal of the primary cancer, to prevent cancerrecurrence.

As our team continues to grow, we now an exciting opportunity fora Research Assistant or Research Officer (level dependent on experience) to conductlaboratory-based research projects in the field of paediatric oncology. In thisrole, you will work under the direction of senior scientists to conductresearch of the highest quality using techniques in RNA biochemistry andmolecular biology to develop RNA-based cancer immunotherapies, to improveoutcomes for children with cancer, in particular sarcoma.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory activities including PCR, western blotting, RNA/DNA purification and quantification.
• Conduct cell-based assays, including mammalian cell culture, cell stimulation and analysis of cellular responses. Carry out other laboratory assays as required and participation in the day-to-day running of the laboratory in cooperation with other researchers.
• Conduct data analysis using statistical software (GraphPad Prism, R, or Python).
• Assist with the preparation of scientific reports, figures for publications or conference presentations and preparation of relevant correspondence.
• Conduct background research as required.

Based in our offices within Perth Children’s Hospital in Nedlands,this full-time role will be offered for an initial 18-month period.

About You

The successful candidate will hold adegree (Honours/Masters/PhD) in a biomedical field, and will demonstrate:

• Experience with RNA biochemistry: synthesis, modification, purification.
• Knowledge of molecular biology and cell biology research methodologies.
• Excellent organisational skills, flexibility and ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• High personal motivation and ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills

AtThe Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplaceculture thatreflects the communities we serve. We actively recruitsupport and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diversecommunities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse livedexperiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitmentprocess and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity tothrive.

If you meet many, but not all, of the rolerequirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention anycareer breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion isreflected in how we:

• Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
• Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
• Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
• Partner with communities to strengthen cultural awareness and belonging.
• Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.
• We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.

Alongside our inclusive culture, you’ll enjoy:

• Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
• Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
• Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
• Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
• Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.

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Closing Date: 06/11/2026 -We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.

The Kids Research Institute Australia is committed to beingchampions of gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. We actively encourageapplications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including:Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities and people living with disability.As such we are a proud Bronze award recipient of thefirstAustralian Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity(SAGE)pilot program.

We acknowledge that when working in environments which contribute to the healthand wellbeing of Aboriginal people, it is imperative that Aboriginal people areat the forefront of this work. We have launched the Aboriginal Employment andCareer Development Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander staff, students and researchers employed in theInstitute who provide guidance and support in our work in Aboriginal health.