An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Assistant to join the Cowman Laboratory in the Immunity Division at Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position
The position is funded by the Gates Foundation and will contribute to multiple research programs focused on developing next-generation interventions against malaria, including vaccines, biologics, and therapeutics.

Key responsibilities include maintaining parasite cultures, performing functional assays to evaluate the efficacy of malaria interventions, and supporting preclinical studies in mouse models to assess the efficacy of novel therapeutics. The successful applicant will work within a multidisciplinary team and receive regular support and mentorship from the laboratory head (Prof Alan Cowman), team lead (Dr Stephen Scally), and other members of the research team.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to translational research aimed at developing new tools to combat one of the world's most important infectious diseases.

Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:

- A Bachelor of Science (Hons) or Masters and/or research experience in parasitology, infection biology, animal studies, or a related field.
- Demonstrated laboratory research experience.
- Experience maintaining cell or parasite cultures and/or conducting mouse studies is desirable.
- Proficiency in basic computer skills and the ability to accurately record and manage experimental data, results, and the development of new methods.
- Strong organisational skills, with excellent oral and written communication skills, including effective reporting.

Personal Qualities:

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
- Capacity to follow experimental protocols and contribute to team-based research activities.
- Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that data and methods are accurate, of high-quality and accessible to other researchers.
- Experience managing competing demands and the ability to manage time effectively.




- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team; reliable and approachable.
- Openness to feedback, willingness to follow direction, and readiness to have progress reviewed as needed.

Terms of Appointment
This position is available for 1 year initially in a full time capacity with potential for a longer appointment. Salary is Research Employee Level 5 - 6 ($84,479 - $106,069) dependent on experience.

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 Dr Stephen Scally - ••••@wehi.edu.au or Prof Alan Cowman - ••••@wehi.edu.au
A position description is available here.

How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date: Friday 2 October 2026.

WEHI - Brighter together

WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.

WEHI is a place where people are able to shine. People who are inquisitive, who are committed, who are passionate. People who want to make a difference. And we are committed to ensuring they have the tools to flourish, personally and professionally. We are a community of researchers,



students and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. We are driven by collaboration, curiosity and creativity. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world. We are WEHI. We are brighter together.

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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