Senior Research Assistant in Cardiovascular Regenerative Biology
Job Description
Full-time fixed-term position for 2 years
Base salary will be in the range $97,268.85 - $104,348.98 + 17% super (HEW Level 6)
Based at our St Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
Join a collaborative, inquisitive and high-performing research environment within the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, where you will contribute to world-leading scientific discovery and innovation.
The Palpant Laboratory is an internationally recognised research group within the Institute for Molecular Bioscience focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease and developing next-generation regenerative medicine approaches. Our research integrates human induced pluripotent stem cell technologies, cardiac tissue engineering, organoid models, genomics and computational biology to investigate disease pathogenesis, identify therapeutic targets and advance precision medicine strategies. Working within a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, the successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research programs spanning stem cell biology, cardiac disease modelling and translational cardiovascular science, while interacting with leading academic, clinical and industry partners.
As a Senior Research Assistant, you will apply your specialist technical expertise across the research lifecycle, supporting impactful research projects and helping to create meaningful change through discovery and translation. Working alongside leading researchers, you will be empowered to deliver high-quality outcomes within a culture that values excellence, inclusivity and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities will include:
Lead routine maintenance, expansion and quality control of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) cultures and support generation of disease-specific cellular models.
Perform and optimise directed differentiation of hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes and other cardiac lineage populations, including implementation of both two-dimensional monolayer and three-dimensional organoid-based differentiation platforms.
Generate and characterise engineered cardiac tissues and cardiac organoids for disease modelling, phenotypic analysis and translational research applications.
Undertake advanced cellular and molecular analyses including flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, qPCR, histology, tissue processing and sample preparation for downstream genomic and transcriptomic studies.
Perform isolation and processing of nuclei and cellular material from stem-cell-derived cardiac tissues for high-throughput molecular profiling applications.
Contribute to the development, optimisation and standardisation of stem cell differentiation and tissue engineering protocols, ensuring high reproducibility and experimental quality.
Maintain detailed experimental records and assist with data management, analysis and preparation of figures, reports and manuscripts.
Coordinate laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, inventory management, ordering, sample tracking and implementation of laboratory best practices.
Assist with preparation and maintenance of ethics, biosafety and regulatory documentation and ensure compliance with institutional and legislative requirements.
Provide technical training, mentoring and oversight for students and new laboratory personnel in stem cell culture, differentiation methodologies and laboratory safety procedures.
Contribute to collaborative research programs focused on human stem cell biology, cardiac disease modelling and regenerative medicine.
About You
Completion of a relevant degree, minimally masters level, in biomedical science, molecular biology, cell biology, regenerative medicine or a closely related discipline, with subsequent relevant experience in stem cell biology, cardiac disease modelling or regenerative medicine research; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training.
Extensive hands-on experience culturing and maintaining human pluripotent stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells and/or embryonic stem cells.
Demonstrated experience differentiating human pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes or other specialised cell types, with familiarity across multiple differentiation platforms including monolayer and three-dimensional culture systems.
Experience generating, maintaining and experimentally utilising cardiac organoids, engineered cardiac tissues or related advanced stem-cell-derived model systems.
Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques including flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, quantitative PCR, tissue processing and histological analysis.
Experience supporting disease-modelling studies using patient-derived stem cell lines or genetically defined cellular models.
Proven ability to troubleshoot, refine and optimise complex stem cell culture and differentiation workflows to achieve reproducible outcomes.
Experience contributing to research publications, technical reports and collaborative research outputs.
Demonstrated experience supporting laboratory operations, including equipment management, inventory systems, biosafety compliance and implementation of laboratory quality standards.
Experience training, mentoring or supervising students and laboratory personnel in specialised research techniques.
Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder-engagement skills, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.
Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.
Interested?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Nathan Palpant at [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.
Other Information
Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia and qualification checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Friday 17 July 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-66235). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing 20 July 2026.