Salary package: From $102,136 per annum (HEW Level 6) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading Appointment type – Full-time (part-time considered), fixed-term contract for 2 years Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde Use your molecular biology skills to help detect cancer earlier through liquid biopsy research A single tube of blood can carry traces of a tumour long before conventional tests find it. Liquid biopsy is reshaping how cancer is detected, monitored and treated, and the quality of that science rests on meticulous sample handling and reliable laboratory data. As a Research Assistant in the cancer research team at Macquarie Medical School, you will help generate exactly that. Working within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, you will process and analyse human biological samples, contribute to the investigation of circulating tumour-derived biomarkers and molecular features of cancer, and help build the datasets that underpin publications and future clinical translation. Structured training will be provided in liquid biopsy methodologies and related molecular biology techniques, so you can extend your technical repertoire while contributing from day one. This is a valuable prospect for an early-career researcher with a foundation in molecular biology who enjoys precise bench work and wants to grow within a research-intensive environment. You will work closely with the lead researcher and wider cancer research team, with access to modern laboratory facilities, professional development programs and a research community spanning biomedical, translational and health services domains.

About the Role
Reporting to the Deputy Dean, Research and Innovation and working under appropriate supervision,



you will provide technical and research assistance across the cancer research program. Responsibilities
- Performing routine laboratory procedures and molecular biology techniques in line with established protocols and standard operating procedures
- Receiving, processing, aliquoting and storing biological samples, including blood-derived specimens, with close attention to sample integrity and traceability
- Undertaking training in liquid biopsy methodologies and contributing to the analysis of circulating tumour-derived biomarkers and other molecular analytes
- Assisting with nucleic acid extraction, quality assessment and preparation of samples for downstream molecular analyses, including sequencing applications
- Recording, organising and maintaining experimental and sample data in laboratory records, databases and electronic systems, with appropriate version control
- Assisting with quality control, preliminary data processing, targeted literature searches and the preparation of datasets, figures, tables, reports and manuscripts
- Identifying and reporting protocol deviations, technical issues or unexpected results, and maintaining laboratory areas, equipment and reagents in line with research governance, ethics, biosafety and WHS requirements Please note that work hours may vary from time to time to accommodate operational needs.

About Us
Macquarie University's Faculty of Medicine,



Health and Human Sciences builds on our aspiration to have the nation's first fully integrated Academic Health Sciences Centre under a university's leadership. It brings together the excellent work of medical and allied-health clinicians and researchers across the University and around the country, with unparalleled access to the world‑leading clinical resources and research facilities found only on our campus. The Faculty hosts active research programs in biomedical, translational and health services domains, with current areas of strength including cancer medicine, neurosciences and vascular science. It is also home to the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, an internationally acclaimed centre researching health systems, e‑health and patient safety. Macquarie Medical School offers a distinctive suite of capability‑based medical education programs alongside a research culture where early‑career researchers are given genuine scope to develop. About You You are a methodical laboratory scientist who takes pride in accurate, well‑documented results and consistent technique. You have a foundation in molecular biology, an eye for detail when handling samples and recording data, and an interest in extending your skills into liquid biopsy and advanced molecular methods within a multidisciplinary research team. Selection Criteria
- Tertiary qualification in molecular biology, biomedical science, biotechnology, medical science or a related discipline
- Demonstrated foundational knowledge of molecular biology, with practical laboratory experience gained through undergraduate study, research projects, honours or equivalent
- Demonstrated ability to follow laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures accurately, including when performing repetitive or technically s

📌 Research Assistant, Cancer Research Team (Sydney)
🏢 Macquarie University
📍 Sydney