Children's Cancer Institute is the only Australian medical research institute wholly dedicated to childhood cancer. In our Computational Drug Discovery Biology group, we run large-scale, sequencing-based drug screens to speed up the search for new treatments.

Most of these screens depend on extracting RNA from 384-well plates. Column-based extraction is manual, slow and costly, so we're replacing it with magnetic-bead extraction run by liquid-handling robots. This 8-week summer research scholarship will own that step.

Your role
Weeks 1–2: training in RNA extraction, RNA-protected handling, liquid-handling robots and RT-qPCR
Weeks 3–6: optimise the magnetic-bead method against a column kit, scoring yield, purity, integrity and cross-contamination
Weeks 7–8: validate the best protocol on a full 384-well plate, document it and present your results to the group
Help with day-to-day lab operations

Who we're looking for

We'd especially like to hear from students in 2nd year or early 3rd year of a biological sciences, biotechnology or related degree, though others are welcome to apply.



You'll suit this role if you have a robust work ethic, learn quickly and adapt when plans change. Instructions are often given in conversation, so you'll need to note them down and follow them through without reminders. Above all, we want someone diligent and honest about what they know. Lab experience helps but isn't essential.

Training, development & rotations

Full hands-on training in RNA extraction, nucleic acid QC (fluorometry, spectrophotometry, capillary electrophoresis), RT-qPCR and liquid-handling robotics, supervised by AJ Sethi and working alongside the group's scientists.

Stipend & benefits

$1,000 per week scholarship stipend for 8 weeks, full time, starting early December 2026. Based at the Health Translation Hub, 55 Botany Street, Randwick.

Career progression

Substantial contributions will be recognised in any resulting methods publication, and the project is a natural path into an Honours year with the group.

📌 Summer Research Scholarship – Rna Extraction Sydney
🏢 GOTAFE
📍 Sydney