If you’re interested in medical research and want to be part of work that could make a real difference to people living with kidney disease, we’d love to hear from you.

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is looking for a Research Assistant to join the Centre for Transplant and Renal Research. You’ll support research into kidney disease and transplantation, with a particular focus on genomics and cell therapies.

This is a fixed-term, part-time position at 0.5 FTE (19 hours per week) for one year, with the possibility of extension. The salary is $40,206 per annum + superannuation (0.5 FTE), with salary packaging options. The role is based at WIMR in Westmead, NSW.

You’ll be involved in a range of laboratory work, including working with human clinical samples, DNA and RNA extraction, cell culture, PCR, flow cytometry and sequencing. You’ll work alongside experienced researchers and clinical collaborators, giving you the opportunity to build your skills and gain valuable experience in a research environment.

This role would suit someone with a biomedical science background and some laboratory experience who is looking to develop their research career and contribute to research with a strong focus on clinical outcomes.

Why you’ll enjoy working here

At WIMR, you’ll be part of a team working on research that aims to improve patient outcomes and translate scientific discoveries into real-world healthcare.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

- Contribute to research focused on kidney disease and kidney transplantation.

- Develop your laboratory and research skills while working alongside experienced researchers.

- Work with human clinical samples and a range of molecular and cellular techniques.

- Work closely with researchers and clinical teams across the Westmead Health Precinct.

- Contribute to research publications, presentations and other research activities.

- Be part of a collaborative and supportive research environment.

What you’ll be working on

- Plan and conduct research experiments in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and WIMR policies and procedures.

- Collect, process and curate clinical kidney transplant samples.

- Extract protein, RNA and DNA from human samples.

- Conduct cell culture of human blood monocytes.

- Assist with high-throughput sequencing, PCR and flow cytometry.

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory records.

- Contribute to research publications, presentations and grant applications.

- Participate in laboratory meetings and seminars.





- Work collaboratively with researchers, clinicians and other members of the research team.

- Follow appropriate research, laboratory, safety and ethical procedures.

What we’re looking for

Essential

- An undergraduate degree in biomedical science or a related field.

- At least six months’ laboratory experience in biological sciences.

- The ability to work collaboratively and build positive working relationships.

- Good written, verbal and presentation skills.

- The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a research team.

- An interest in kidney disease, kidney transplantation or biomedical research.

Highly desirable

- Experience with flow cytometry or molecular research.

- Experience working with human samples.

- Knowledge or experience in kidney transplantation or kidney disease research.

- Experience with techniques such as PCR, cell culture, DNA/RNA extraction or sequencing.

About WIMR

At the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR), we focus on tackling real-world health challenges through research that leads to tangible clinical outcomes. Our work spans cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders and neurological conditions, with the goal of turning scientific discoveries into treatments that improve lives.

We specialise in precision medicine and use advanced technologies including gene and cell therapies, bacteriophage and plasmid therapies, islet transplantation, bioinformatics, regenerative medicine and genomics. Our discoveries progress towards first-in-human clinical trials through partnerships across the Westmead Health Precinct and with national collaborators, helping move research from the laboratory into patient care.

Beyond the clinic, we work closely with industry partners to help bridge gaps in healthcare and ensure new therapies and innovations reach the people who need them.

Why join us?

- Clinical access and real-world impact

Work within the Westmead Health Precinct,



with access to clinical networks and patient samples that help support research with the potential to translate into real-world health outcomes.

- Collaborative and high-impact research workplace

Be part of a multidisciplinary research community where scientists, clinicians and researchers work together to tackle complex health challenges and advance new approaches to healthcare.

- Cutting-edge technology and infrastructure

WIMR provides access to specialised research platforms and facilities across biobanking, bioinformatics, bioresources, cytometry, electron microscopy, genomics, histology, imaging, preclinical imaging and biomedical proteomics.

Our research infrastructure includes advanced technologies such as:
1. Xenium and CytAssist – Combining genomics with high-resolution imaging to study individual cells within tissue samples and support research into disease progression and transplant outcomes.

2. Rhapsody System – Enabling researchers to analyse the genetic signatures of individual cells and better understand disease and treatment responses.

3. QIAcuity Digital PCR System – Supporting highly sensitive detection and analysis of genetic material.

4. VS200 Slide Scanner – Providing high-quality digital microscopy to support detailed analysis of tissue and disease.

5. Modern facilities and work environment

Work in a modern, award-winning and architecturally designed research building with state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. WIMR also offers a professional café, secure bike storage and shower facilities.

- Professional growth opportunities

Connect with early and mid-career researcher groups, clinical trial and data networking groups, as well as a range of professional development and research events.

- Flexible working arrangements

Flexible working arrangements may be available by agreement with management.

- Salary packaging

As a not-for-profit organisation, WIMR offers salary packaging options that may provide tax benefits.

- Novated leasing

Access to novated leasing options.

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Access to confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion The Westmead Institute for Medical Research is committed to workplace equity, diversity and inclusion. We value and acknowledge the importance of the different experiences, talents and cultures that our people bring to work each day.

Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is central to attracting and retaining talented people, unlocking potential and achieving our vision of improving health outcomes.

📌 Research Assistant – Kidney Disease & Transplant Research (Westmead)
🏢 The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR)
📍 Westmead