Research Assistant

This is a Research Assistant (Chemistry and Neuroscience) role with Macquarie University based in North Ryde, NSW, AU
== Macquarie University ==

Role Seniority - junior

More about the Research Assistant (Chemistry and Neuroscience) role at Macquarie University

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Salary Package: From $86,087 p.a.to $97,879 p.a. (HEW Level 5), plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
• Appointment Type: Full time, fixed term for 12 months.
• Macquarie University (North Ryde) location

Exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Research Assistant with an interest in Chemistry and Neuroscience to contribute to research programs in the Dementia Research Centre.

The Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant with an interest in Chemistry to assist with drug development and drug testing to contribute to research seeking to build new therapeutic agents to combat Alzheimer's Disease.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the synthesis and characterization of a small molecule portfolio, as well as testing these in binding assays and in vitro assays in accordance with research protocols. Furthermore, the successful applicant will be responsible for data management, documentation and analysis, updating and maintain databases for project samples and data as well as contributing to day-to-day laboratory management.

About You

You are a motivated and meticulous individual who takes initiative when completing assigned research project tasks and exercise rational judgement and decision-making skills to troubleshoot experimental issues. Ideally, you have experience in medicinal chemistry, chemical analysis, and drug testing. In addition, you will enjoy working both independently and as part of a team and will be able and actively participate in group analysis work. You should have a strong service and quality focus ensuring high levels of accuracy when completing tasks. 

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 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 world-leading clinical resources and research facilities found only on our campus.

The Macquarie Medical School is committed to improving patient health through world-class fundamental and translational medical research. Within the School is the Dementia Research Centre which provides an environment for innovative, interdisciplinary research for dementia and basic neuroscience. The Dementia Research Centre is committed to providing a unique and supportive mentoring program to allow the growth of future leaders for neuroscience research.

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we've grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

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

• Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, chemical engineering, engineering, material science, medical science, neuroscience, or related discipline

• Knowledge of Lab administration and experimental planning.

• Experience with medicinal and / or organic chemistry, and chemical analysis (including mass spectrometry, NMR, HPLC).

• Experience with laboratory techniques such as molecular binding assays, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and cell culture.

• Experience with working in a research laboratory and a thorough understanding of laboratory health and safety practices and principles.

• Excellent organisational skills with a demonstrated capacity to meet tight deadlines and manage time effectively.

• Strong written and verbal communication and organisational skills to assist in the preparation of research data.

• Highly motivated and driven individual who can work well independently, as well as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in drug development R&D in the private and / or public sector

Specific role requirements

• Work hours may vary from time to time to accommodate business needs.

Specific Role Enquiries: Dr Ole Tietz ole.tietz@mq.edu.au

General Enquiries: Amie Law, DRC Centre Manager amie.law@mq.edu.au

Applications Close: Sunday 14th of September at 11:59pm (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:

14/09/2025 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.

Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you'll be learning new things all the time and the Macquarie University team will be there to support your growth.

Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what's outlined

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with drug development and testing
• Synthesis and characterization of small molecules
• Data management and laboratory administration

Key Strengths

• Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, chemical engineering, engineering, material science, medical science, neuroscience, or related discipline
• Experience with medicinal and/or organic chemistry, and chemical analysis (including mass spectrometry, NMR, HPLC)
• Excellent organisational skills with a demonstrated capacity to meet tight deadlines and manage time effectively
• Experience in drug development R&D in the private and/or public sector

Why Macquarie University is partnering with Hatch on this role. Hatch exists to level the playing field for people as they discover a career that's right for them. So when you apply you have the chance to show more than just your resume.

A Final Note: This is a role with Macquarie University not with Hatch.

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