Job Title
Research Officer / Senior Research OfficerJob Description
An exciting opportunity is available for a Research Officer to join the Wicks Laboratory in the Inflammation Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.
About the position
The Research Officer will play a key leadership role in driving a pharma-sponsored research program to completion and publication. The position involves timely delivery of milestones and key outputs, stakeholder engagement, and supervision of junior staff, plus scientific outputs.
The Wicks laboratory focuses on chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, such as myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This role will have a specific focus on myositis, an inflammatory muscle disease.
We are seeking a highly-motivated candidate with a strong background in animal-based research. Experience working with industry partners is highly desirable, but those seeking experience working in a commercial environment are encouraged to apply.
Key project-specific responsibilities
This position will lead a pharma-sponsored research program focused on myositis within the Wicks Laboratory. The role involves driving high-quality scientific outputs and coordinating project delivery to meet commercial milestones. The successful candidate will develop detailed expertise in murine models of myositis and muscle biology, and will be the go-to person for all aspects of the research project. They will oversee timelines, reporting, ethics, and governance requirements, and manage stakeholder engagement with industry partners through regular, high-quality written reports and oral presentations. The role includes supervision of junior staff and management of confidentiality and intellectual property. It also requires the development of research work plans, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies, and requires flexibility to respond to evolving partner priorities and to ensure timely delivery of outcomes.
Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:
A relevant doctoral qualification or equivalent based on laboratory research
An excellent academic record and achievements.
Demonstrated ability and potential for excellence and productivity in laboratory-based research.
Research experience that has resulted in publications, conference papers or reports.
Proven interpersonal and collaborative skills in achieving research outcomes.
Desirable Knowledge and Skills:
Experience with animal-based research, including mouse models of disease.
Proficiency in a range of laboratory techniques (e.g. histology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, genotyping, ELISA, qPCR).
Experience supervising junior staff or students.
Experience in muscle biology.
Experience working with industry partners and overseeing collaborative projects to completion.
Understanding of confidentiality and intellectual property
Personal Qualities:
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a team environment
Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that data, new methods and theories are accurate, of high-quality and accessible to other researchers
Ability to manage time effectively and be reliable and approachable
Terms of Appointment
This full-time position is available for a period of one year. Salary is Research Employee Level A ($104,071 - $111,707), or Research Employee Level B ($117,596 - $139,636), depending on experience. 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 Dr. Jessica Day - day.j@wehi.edu.au or Prof. Ian Wicks – wicks@wehi.edu.au.
A position description for a Research Officer is available here.
A position description for a Senior Research Officer 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: Wednesday 20 May 2026.