Research Officer

The University of Western Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 87,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Generous paid leave including parental

17% employer paid superannuation

Salary packaging available

Incremental progression after 12 meses

Job summary

The University of Western Australia (UWA) invites applications for a hands-on research role centred on RNA therapeutics within the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer (ACRTC). You will perform design-to-discovery wet-lab work, gain exposure to nanopore direct RNA sequencing, and contribute across the drug development pipeline in a state-of-the-art facility in Western Australia.

The fixed-term position spans 12 months with a base salary range of AU$86,540–AU$95,920 per annum pro-rata

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning techniques (restriction cloning, Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, or similar).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture (passage, transfection, and maintenance).
• Experience with RNA handling, extraction, and quality control (Bioanalyzer/TapeStation, Qubit, gel electrophoresis).
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail in record-keeping and protocol documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative wet-lab experiments from design to discovery.
• Bridge molecular biology & AI to advance RNA therapeutics.
• Exposure to the full drug development pipeline from library design to computational modelling and pre-clinical testing.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Biotechnology

Molecular cloning

Mammalian cell culture

RNA handling

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology or related field

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...

• Lead innovative wet-lab experiments from design to discovery.
• Pivotal role bridging molecular biology & artificial intelligence.
• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 12 months.
• Base salary range: $86,540 – $95,920 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.

This position sits within Capability 1: Computation, AI & RNA Multi-omics of the ROBUST program. Capability 1 will use a globally unique RNA dataset and state-of-the-art high-performance computing resources to develop one of the most data-rich RNA design platforms in the world.

About the opportunity

• A hands-on role at the centre of landmark RNA experiments, with access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure at UWA.
• Training in cutting-edge nanopore direct RNA sequencing, one of the most versatile and rapidly evolving sequencing technologies.
• Exposure to the full drug development pipeline, from library design through to computational modelling and pre-clinical testing.

About you

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant tertiary education in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with molecular cloning techniques (restriction cloning, Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture (passage, transfection, and maintenance).
• Experience with RNA handling, extraction, and quality control (Bioanalyzer/TapeStation, Qubit, gel electrophoresis).
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail in record-keeping and protocol documentation.

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 Thursday, 3 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.

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.