Employment Information
Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
Duration: 12 Month, Fixed Term contract with a possibility for extension
Remuneration: $92,265 base, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading
Work rights required: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
Location: On site, Kensington, Sydney
Job Description
An exciting opportunity is available for a talented and motivated Research Assistant to join the Burnett Laboratory at UNSW Sydney.
Our laboratory investigates how the adaptive immune system recognises and responds to foreign and self-antigens. We seek to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate B-cell and T-cell responses, immune tolerance and autoimmunity, with relevance to vaccination, infection and immune-mediated disease.
The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research examining immune responses across preclinical models and human samples. Working within a collaborative and supportive research team, you will use a broad range of immunological and molecular approaches to generate high-quality experimental data and help advance projects with both fundamental and translational significance.
Depending on your experience and project requirements, your work may include:
Exploration of immune responses in pre-clinical models and human tissue samples
Management of animal colonies in accordance with established ethics protocols
Assays relevant for the exploration of the adaptive immune response e.g. multiparameter flow cytometry, ELISA, Cell culture
Molecular assays including PCR or bulk/single cell sequencing
Maintenance of accurate laboratory records and research databases
Supporting experimental planning, project coordination and reporting.




The position is well suited to an organised research assistant with highly developed interpersonal skills, close attention to detail, and eagerness to develop expertise across both cellular immunology and molecular biology.
The Level 5 position description requires the appointee to conduct research activities, maintain accurate experimental records, undertake research-support tasks with appropriate independence, analyse experimental and clinical data, and help the team meet agreed project milestones.
Key Skills Required
a relevant tertiary qualification a related discipline, together with relevant laboratory experience
prior experience supporting or conducting laboratory-based research
a strong interest in adaptive immunity, particularly B-cell or T-cell biology
excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accurate experimental documentation
sound organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities and meet deadlines
a methodical approach to troubleshooting and problem-solving
the ability to work independently within established methodologies while contributing positively to a collaborative team
well-developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
a commitment to research integrity, laboratory safety and ethical research conduct.
Additional Experience
Prior experience using pre-clinical models and human tissue samples




Experience managing mouse colonies and utilising them for pre-clinical research
Assays relevant for the exploration of the adaptive immune response e.g. multiparameter flow cytometry, ELISA, Cell culture
Molecular assays including PCR or bulk/single cell RNA/DNA sequencing
Why Join the Burnett Laboratory?
You will join a welcoming research team committed to rigorous science, collaboration and professional development. We provide a supportive and productive environment that encourages initiative and career development, while valuing professionalism, emotional intelligence and respectful teamwork.
Advantages and Culture
17% Superannuation and leave loading
Flexible working
Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
Access to lifelong learning and career development
Progressive HR practices
Pre-Employment Checks
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role. Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
Applications close: 16th of August before *****pm Sydney time
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Contact
Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate
E:
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Research Assistant (Sydney)
🏢 UNSW
📍 Sydney