Research Assistant Full-time NEW

Visual Neurovascular Research Unit Position

Lead sophisticated visual neuroscience experiments / Access world-class imaging and microscopy platforms / Build supervision, publishing and grant-writing experience.

Apply now to drive innovative retina and brain research while expanding your technical, analytical and leadership capabilities.

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

Your next career opportunity: In this role, you will lead sophisticated in vivo and molecular experiments exploring neurovascular communication in vision. You will collaborate closely with experts at CERA and Melbourne Medical School, supervising students and shaping ambitious projects. You will strengthen your publication record and grant-writing portfolio within a highly resourced, innovation-driven research environment.

What you will deliver:

• Conduct advanced in vivo and ex vivo imaging and microsurgery in rodents, focusing on retina, optic nerve and brain.
• Perform molecular, cellular and histological experiments, including AAV injections, tissue processing, immunostaining and stereological confocal image analysis.
• Develop and apply image and data analysis pipelines using ImageJ, R, MATLAB and relevant programming languages.
• Plan, troubleshoot and optimise experiments, maintain meticulous records, and prepare data, manuscripts and grant applications for dissemination.
• Supervise and train students and lab members, contributing to a safe, well-resourced and collegial laboratory environment.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a PhD in visual sciences, neuroscience or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate a strong publication or funding track record in visual science, neuroscience or related neurovascular fields.
• Bring substantial hands-on experience in rodent in vivo and ex vivo imaging, microsurgery, eye and brain dissection, and histology.
• Use advanced microscopy, ImageJ, R, MATLAB and core software such as Word, Excel, Prism and Adobe tools.
• Exhibit strong organisational skills, independence, problem-solving ability and adaptability within a fast-paced research environment.
• Preferably offer experience in eye research, neurodegenerative models, transgenic mice and programming, and be available from September 2026.

What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team – Melbourne Medical School Joining the Visual Neurovascular Research Unit, you will work within CERA at the Eye and Ear Hospital. You will collaborate with clinicians and scientists across Melbourne Medical School and our broader health and biomedical partners. The team values curiosity, rigour and collaboration, offering strong mentoring, world-class facilities and clear pathways for research independence.

Be Yourself The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

Application essentials:

• Visit “apply with us” to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants. If successful, we will support you through this process.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more? For queries related to this specific position, contact Luis Alarcon-Martinez at luis.alarconmartinez@unimelb.edu.au. For questions related to our recruitment process email Dijana at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Apply today, and join a community that's shaping the future.

Applications close: 2 May 2026 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.