Job Title Senior Research Officer - Drug Development Job Description An exciting chance is available for a Senior Research Officer to join the Molecular Sciences Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position

This role is part of an industrial drug discovery program that is focused on developing novel small molecule therapies that target epigenetic silencing as potential treatment for the rare neurodevelopmental disorder Prader-Willi Syndrome. The Senior Research Officer position is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a biotech backed project by generating data crucial for progression towards the clinic/commercial endpoint and provides a unique pathway for career development and growth. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn more about, and contribute meaningfully to, drug discovery and development. The purpose of this position is to test the efficacy and tolerability in vivo of novel compounds generated by our program, that aims to develop new first-in-class treatments for Prader-Willi Syndrome. This will entail extensive treatment, monitoring, handling and dissection of both neonatal and adult mice, FACS isolation of cells, RNA purification, preparation of RNAseq libraries, analysis of RNAseq data and animal ethics reporting. The position works closely with other lab members and contributes to the overall team.

Selection Criteria

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

- A relevant doctoral qualification plus postdoctoral experience, or equivalent experience in an industry setting.
- Experience with mouse work, including live animal handling and dissection.
- Experience with handling and assessing neonatal mice.
- Experience with purifying and analysing RNA.
- Experience with drug treatments in vivo.





Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

- Experience with brain dissection is highly desirable.
- Experience with purification of cells by FACS or MACS is highly desirable.
- Experience preparing RNAseq libraries and RNAseq analysis is highly desirable.
- Experience with behaviour studies desirable.
- Experience with writing animal ethics applications, amendments and reports is highly desirable.
- A background in studying genetics is highly desirable.

Personal Qualities:

- Exceptional record keeping and communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills and time management.
- Interpersonal communication skills to ensure great team culture is essential.

Terms of Appointment

This position is available in a full time capacity for one year with the potential extension contingent on funding. Salary is Research Employee Level B ($121,143 - $143,826). Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.

General enquiries can be directed to Marnie Blewitt – [email protected] A position description is available here.

Application Closing Date: Tuesday 18 August 2026

WEHI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion





At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI’s ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers. Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.

WEHI’s commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

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📌 Senior Research Officer - Drug Development (Parkville)
🏢 Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
📍 Parkville