The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading researchers and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to improve human health. Our mission is to harness all the information encoded in our genome to better diagnose, treat, predict and prevent disease. From the individual patient with rare disease to the many thousands affected by complex, widespread illness, we are pioneering discoveries across diseases that have the deepest impact on our community.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This role offers an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant with expertise in stem cell biology (particularly iPSCs) to support research within our iPSC Village platform. Our lab has led the development of iPSC Village models, which enable controlled, multi-donor stem cell cultures that capture natural genetic diversity in a shared environment, providing a powerful system to uncover how human genetic variation shapes cellular differentiation, development, and disease pathways. This role will contribute to projects investigating how genes and cellular processes shape human development and disease. It’s an ideal opportunity for a skilled laboratory scientist who enjoys hands-on experimentation and collaborative research in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
The role is a 1-year full-time position, with a possibility for extension.
More broadly, the Powell Lab’s research focused on how human genetic variation shapes cellular function and disease, with the long-term vision of building a cell-resolved, causal map of human biology. We seek to understand, at scale, how DNA variation rewires regulatory networks, shifts cell states, and drives human disease, and to translate these insights into better diagnostics and therapeutics.
To achieve this, we develop and integrate cutting-edge experimental and computational platforms:
Large-cohort single-cell genomics (e.g., TenK10K) generating millions of profiles to map regulatory architecture across diverse individuals.
iPSC “Village” systems and CRISPR perturbation to experimentally dissect and validate gene function in controlled, scalable cellular models.
Advanced computational genomics, machine learning, and causal inference frameworks that link genetic variants to cellular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities.
Our research spans immune biology, cardiac disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer, unified by a central question: Which genes, cell states, and molecular pathways are causally driving human traits and disease, and how can we intervene?
Why join us?
We have built a team that thrives at the intersection of genomics, AI, and cellular biology. Lab members gain access to unique population-scale datasets, advanced wet- and dry-lab technologies, and pathways to meaningful collaborations with clinicians, industry partners, and international consortia.
We offer an environment that values:
Scientific independence and creativity,
Rigorous, reproducible research,
Collaboration and mentorship, and
Ambition to tackle big, long-term scientific problems.
Salary: $79,900 - $102,500 + 14% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)
Employment Type: 1-year fixed-term contract
SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS
Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)
Ample opportunities for on-going training and development
Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment
Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times
18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave
Discounted Health Insurance
Lifestyle discounts with our community partners
WHAT YOU WILL DO
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The key responsibilities include:
Conduct laboratory experiments using human iPSCs and derived neural or cardiac cell types under the supervision of senior researchers.
Support the application of molecular and cellular biology methods such as genome editing, imaging, electrophysiological assays, and functional characterisation.
Maintain high-quality cell cultures, ensuring reproducibility and quality control of differentiation protocols.
Perform data collection, sample processing, and basic analysis with accuracy and attention to detail.
Maintain clear laboratory records, reagent inventories, and standard operating procedures.
Assist in preparing reports, figures, and documentation for publications and grant submissions.
Ensure all work complies with institutional safety, ethics, and quality assurance standards.
Collaborate effectively with researchers, technicians, and students, contributing to a supportive and high-performing team culture.
Communicate results and progress clearly to supervisors and contribute to lab meetings and training sessions.
ABOUT YOU
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
The key skills and experience of a Research Assistant include:
A degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related life science field.
Experience with mammalian cell culture; hands-on work with neural or cardiac systems is highly desirable.
Familiarity with iPSCs, differentiation techniques, or imaging-based assays.
Strong attention to detail, technical precision, and ability to follow complex protocols.
Excellent organisational, record-keeping, and time management skills.
Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Desirable criteria
Good knowledge of statistics and presentation of single-cell molecular data.
Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with researchers across both dry and wet laboratories.
Experience in cell functional assays such as proteomics, cell painting, physiology
Experience with cell model systems such as organoids or lab-on-chip models
Key Personal Attributes
Collaborative mindset – enjoys working closely with postdocs and researchers,
contributing to shared goals and supporting team-based science.
Strong communication skills – able to explain analytical approaches clearly to both
computational and experimental colleagues.
Problem-solving orientation – proactive in identifying issues in data, pipelines, or
analyses and driving solutions independently.
Attention to detail – committed to producing high-quality, reproducible work across
large and complex datasets.
Adaptability – comfortable working across multiple projects and adjusting to the
evolving needs of fast-moving research programs.
Organised and reliable – can manage competing priorities, maintain well-structured
code and documentation, and meet project timelines.
Curiosity and initiative – motivated to learn new methods, improve workflows, and
contribute ideas to enhance the lab’s computational capabilities.
Commitment to scientific excellence – values rigour, transparency, and continuous
improvement.
ABOUT GARVAN
Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.
Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.
We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.
Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.