About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and talented Research Assistant with a background using rodent models of disease, particularly neurodegenerative disease models, to join the Centre for Motor Neuron Disease at Macquarie University. The lab focuses of testing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using cellular and animal models (zebrafish and mice).
About Us
Macquarie is the university of pioneering minds. Globally recognised as one of Australia’s leading research universities, Macquarie is a place where extraordinary new possibilities come to light. We’ve helped people to hear, introduced wireless internet technology to the world and broken through traditional boundaries by previously appointing Australia’s first female vice-chancellor.
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 Centre for Motor Neuron Disease is well integrated into the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Sciences, has established state-of-the-art research facilities and offers outstanding development options including an active Early Career Researcher support network (‘EnCouRage’). The lab offers excellent research opportunities in a team of >70 staff working on MND.
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Celebrating its 60th year in 2024, it was established as a bold experiment in higher education and designed to break from educational traditions to work in tandem with industry. Institutionally we strive for the extraordinary by challenging convention and embracing different views. Our pioneering culture has encouraged and inspired students, staff and collaborators to break free from conventional thinking, and to actively shape the complex issues that define the future of humanity.
About You
You will be a motivated and organised researcher who takes initiative when completing research project tasks and demonstrates attention to detail and quality in your work. You enjoy working with animal models and performing laboratory protocols with precision and attention to detail. Skills in animal handling, treatment administration, tissue extraction and immunostaining are essential. You enjoy working both independently and as part of a team. You are also skilled in performing data analysis and are competent in using MS Office, data management and statistical analysis packages.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, please apply online by submitting your cv and a separate (2-page maximum) cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the following selection criteria: Essential
Recent honours or master’s degree in science, medical science or related discipline
Experience working with rodent models, including behavioural testing, handling and treatment administration
Demonstrated experience performing tissue extraction and processing, such as immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis
Experience also working with cell culture models or zebrafish is preferable, but not essential.
Demonstrated success contributing independently and within a team to research, preferably in a PC2 or QC2 laboratory
Knowledge of and demonstrated understanding of neuroanatomy is preferred
*This position requires you to comply with occupational screening, assessment and vaccinations in line with Macquarie University requirements.
Specific Role Enquiries: A/Prof Angela Laird, Group Leader at the Centre for MND Research at angela.laird@mq.edu.au
Applications Close: 1 December 2025, at 11:55pm AEST
We reserve the right to progress or decline applications at our discretion and may close this advertisement prior to the listed closing date.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
01/12/2025 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.