Job Title: Research Assistant - Stem Cell Biology

An excellent prospect is available for a Research Assistant to join the Molecular Sciences Division and Parkinson’s Disease Research Centre at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position

This role is part of Synerva Therapeutics Ltd, a WEHI start-up dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape for Parkinson’s disease. Synerva leverages cutting-edge insights in neurobiology to design and develop first-in-class small-molecule therapies to stop neurons from dying in neurodegenerative diseases. By targeting the underlying molecular drivers of neurodegeneration, Synerva aims to move beyond symptomatic relief toward disease-modifying solutions. Our multidisciplinary team partners with clinicians and lived experience to ensure we are translationally focused and patient-centred. The company aspires to develop treatments that can meaningfully improve outcomes and redefine what is possible for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative conditions. The purpose of this position is to support the establishment of Parkinson’s patient stem cell-derived neuron and co-culture models in which to test small molecule drug candidate leads. The position will work closely with other members of Synerva and the Dewson lab and contribute to the overall team. The successful applicant will work in a supportive research environment that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigour. They will be expected to conduct milestone-oriented research to contribute to the development of new medicines in alignment with the Synerva project plan and to report findings to internal and external stakeholders. Publication opportunities will align with commercial priorities.

Selection Criteria

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

- A relevant post- graduate qualification.
- Background and interest in Parkinson’s disease and/or neurodegenerative disease research.
- Demonstrated productivity in research outputs.




- Experience working with stem cell models and mammalian tissue culture.
- Experience conducting research in compliance with stringent human ethics requirements.
- Proven interpersonal and collaborative skills in achieving research outcomes.

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

- Experience in human organoid models.
- Experience with flow cytometry, imaging and biochemical techniques.
- Experience working in an IP-sensitive environment e.g. commercial academic projects, biotech, pharma or start-up.
- Experience with human ethics applications, amendments and reports.

Personal Qualities:

- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a team environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and record keeping, ensuring that data, new methods and theories are accurate, of high-quality and accessible to other researchers.
- Ability to manage time effectively and be reliable and approachable.
- Ability to work towards focused research milestones.

Terms of Appointment

This position is full time available for 1 year with possible extension contingent on funding.

Salary

Salary is Research Support Employee Level 5 ($84,479 - $97,036).

Benefits

- 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

General enquiries can be directed to Grant Dewson – [email protected].

Application Deadline

Application Closing Date: Sunday 20 September 2026; however we will be reviewing applications as they are received,



and WEHI reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate prior to the closing date.

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.

A position description is available here.

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📌 Research Assistant - Stem Cell Biology (Parkville)
🏢 Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
📍 Parkville