Senior Research Officer - Drug Development

Job Title

Senior Research Officer - Drug Development

Job Description

An exciting opportunity is available for a Senior Research Officer to join the Molecular Sciences Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position

This role is part of an industrial drug discovery program that is focused on developing novel small molecule therapies that target epigenetic silencing as potential treatment for the rare neurodevelopmental disorder Prader-Willi Syndrome. The Senior Research Officer position is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a biotech backed project by generating data crucial for progression towards the clinic/commercial endpoint and provides a unique pathway for career development and growth. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn more about, and contribute meaningfully to, drug discovery and development.

The purpose of this position is to test the efficacy and tolerability in vivo of novel compounds generated by our program, that aims to develop new first-in-class treatments for Prader-Willi Syndrome. This will entail extensive treatment, monitoring, handling and dissection of both neonatal and adult mice, FACS isolation of cells, RNA purification, preparation of RNAseq libraries, analysis of RNAseq data and animal ethics reporting. The position works closely with other lab members and contributes to the overall team. 

Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• A relevant doctoral qualification plus postdoctoral experience, or equivalent experience in an industry setting. 

• Experience with mouse work, including live animal handling and dissection.

• Experience with handling and assessing neonatal mice.

• Experience with purifying and analysing RNA. 

• Experience with drug treatments in vivo.

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with brain dissection is highly desirable.

• Experience with purification of cells by FACS or MACS is highly desirable.

• Experience preparing RNAseq libraries and RNAseq analysis is highly desirable.

• Experience with behaviour studies desirable.

• Experience with writing animal ethics applications, amendments and reports is highly desirable.

• A background in studying genetics is highly desirable.

Personal Qualities:

• Exceptional record keeping and communication skills

• Excellent organisational skills and time management.

• Interpersonal communication skills to ensure great team culture is essential.

Terms of Appointment
This position is available in a full time capacity for one year with the potential extension contingent on funding. Salary is Research Employee Level B ($121,143 - $143,826). 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 Marnie Blewitt – blewitt@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: Tuesday 18 August 2026