About the role

? Role: Research Assistant

? Location: Jumar Bioincubator, Melbourne, Australia

? Capacity: Part-time/Full-time (0.5 - 1.0 FTE), ongoing contract

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join our Cell Biology team and help deliver the day-to-day experimental activities that underpin our translational research programs. Working closely with experienced scientists, you will be responsible for maintaining experimental systems, executing established laboratory workflows, and generating high-quality data across a range of cell biology and immunology studies.

This role is ideal for an experienced Research Assistant or exceptional Honours/Master’s graduate who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and thrives in a dynamic biotech environment. Due to the routine and supportive nature of the work, this role is best suited to candidates looking to build a career in technical laboratory excellence rather than independent research leadership. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping the team progress research efficiently and advance our novel medicines closer to the clinic.

Key responsibilities

? Experimental Preparation & Scientific Support

- Perform routine cell culture and sample and reagent preparation
- Test and qualify reagents used in cell biology assays, including titration experiments
- Generate and maintain mammalian cell lines and primary human cells (e.g. monocyte-derived macrophages)
- Isolate PBMCs and specific cell populations from donor blood and tissues
- Screen candidate drugs on cell lines
- Prepare and characterise donor samples/cell lines for protein expression
- Conduct other routine established workflows as guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs)

? Communication & Documentation

- Maintain organised laboratory records,



ensuring data integrity and compliance with documentation standards including supporting the writing of SOPs and risk assessments
- Compile and summarise results for internal reports and team discussions
- Participate in team meetings, providing updates on experimental progress and contributing to discussions on methodology and troubleshooting

? Lab Operations

- Support general laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and waste disposal
- Monitor and manage laboratory supplies, ensuring the availability of critical reagents and consumables
- Adhere to all safety protocols

Essential attributes

- A BSc with Honours/Master's degree or equivalent degree (no higher) in a cell biology, immunology, or a related discipline or equivalent laboratory experience
- Robust practical laboratory skills and ability to execute experimental protocols with precision
- Strong organisational and record-keeping skills, including use of ELNs or LIMS for sample and data tracking
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Eagerness to acquire new technical skills and integrate into a fast-paced, collaborative research environment
- A team player who embodies our values and champions our team culture

Skills & Experience

Essential

- Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique, including maintenance and transfection of adherent and/or suspension lines
- Experience performing standard cell-based and biological assays




- Basic competency in flow cytometry

Desirable

- At least 1-2 years’ experience in a Research Assistant position within a collaborative scientific team
- Experience working with human blood samples, including PBMC isolation and culture
- Experience with primary immune cell culture and handling
- Experience in Western blotting
- Advanced flow cytometry skills, including panel design and analysis
- Experience generating engineered cell lines, including lentiviral transduction and gene knockout approaches

Why Join Proxima Bio Proxima Bio is a biotech start-up developing the next generation of cell surface degrader medicines. At Proxima Bio, we believe that great science happens when people are supported, empowered, and excited to work together. Our culture is people-centric, team-driven, and flexible – we’ll work with you to develop a working style that fits best while ensuring career development and job satisfaction are priorities.

We’re a highly motivated, collaborative, and diverse team that values both impact and enjoyment in our work. As part of Proxima Bio, you’ll have the autonomy to grow in a dynamic, fast-paced and fun environment while contributing to research that makes a real difference. The successful candidate will also be eligible for share options, becoming a part-owner of Proxima Bio over time.

Salary is commensurate with an industry role, dependent on experience and is offered at a base salary of $80,000 - $95,000 per year.

How to apply

Interested? Apply via this form: https://wkf.ms/45X3E53

Applications close Tuesday 15th September 2026 at 5pm.

Questions? Please send any enquiries to [email protected]

We highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

📌 Research Assistant (Melbourne)
🏢 Proxima Bio
📍 Melbourne