Cryptosporidium Research Assistant

An exciting opportunity is available for a Research Assistant to join the Immunity Division working in the Tonkin Lab at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position

We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist or animal technician with excellent organisational skills to join our team. The role involves assisting our team with conducting Cryptosporidium experiments using mouse models and in vitro techniques. Cryptosporidium parasites are one of the leading causes of diarrhoeal disease and death in children under five years of age living in lower income countries. Our laboratory is one of the largest Cryptosporidium research groups in Australia investigating Cryptosporidium biology, host-pathogen interactions, drug discovery and vaccine development. Our goal is to make meaningful discoveries that will lead to Cryptosporidium control to improve the health of children worldwide.

Selection Criteria Essential Knowledge and Skills

- Research experience in animal work (mouse handling, oral gavage, dissections) and understanding of animal ethics.
- Experience in sterile cell culture.
- Proven organisational skills and accurate record keeping.
- Outstanding interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to foster collaborative and productive relationships.

Desirable Knowledge and Skills

- Advanced mouse handling skills (e.g. immunisation, blood collection).
- Histology tissue preparation.
- Research experience in molecular biology or immunology.
- Experience with laboratory management.
- Proficient at using common software systems (Sharepoint, Excel).

Terms of Appointment

This position is a fixed term role (2 years) in a full time capacity.

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

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 [email protected].

A position description is available here.

Application Closing Date: 25 November 2026

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 secure 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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📌 Cryptosporidium Research Assistant (Parkville)
🏢 Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
📍 Parkville