Laboratory Scientist

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity is available for a Laboratory Scientist (Proteomics and Microbiology) to join the Global Women's and Newborn's Health team in Melbourne

In this role you will support the activities of a project focused on establishing a proteomics pipeline for biomarker discovery and characterising biological mechanisms. You will work closely with a research officer, contribute to the development and optimisation of laboratory protocols, and process clinical samples for mass spectrometry analysis. You will also assist with microbiology assays including culturing of bacteria under anaerobic conditions and performing characterisation assays.

You will also:

• Assist with the development of optimal sample processing methods for (meta)proteomics
• Process, store and analyse clinical samples from clinical studies
• Prepare samples for analysis at service labs (e.g. Bio21, Monash)
• Support laboratory management including SOPs, risk assessments, equipment maintenance, and ordering reagents
• Contribute to project management, reporting, and documentation
• Assist with the development of workflows for proteomics data analysis
• Support preparation of research outputs, including presentations and manuscripts
• Complete required training in line with the role

This is a 12-month, part-time fixed term (0.8 FTE) position. You will have flexible working hours as well as 1 day per week working from home option. Please refer to the attached position description here:

Scientist_Position Description

Let's talk about you

The following criteria are essential requirements:

• B.Sc. (Honours) in biochemistry, microbiology or a related discipline
• Minimum 1 year experience in (meta)proteomics analysis
• Experience in processing and analysis of clinical samples

The following are preferable but not essential:

• Bioinformatics skills for proteomics data analysis, including data processing and statistics
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• Adaptability to changing timelines and work plans
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

The Burnet experience?

We want you to have a successful and meaningful career at Burnet and are committed to providing a supportive workplace environment for all our people. You will be part of a collaborative culture where progressive leadership, innovation, respect, and excellence are valued. Join a team of talented individuals who are passionate about what they do - achieving a more equitable world through better health.

We offer:

• A monthly accrued day off for full-time staff
• 14 weeks paid parental leave - no qualifying period
• Additional long service leave weeks (minimum is 8.67) at 10 years of service
• Study leave
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous salary packaging
• Opportunities for career and professional development

Who are we?

Burnet Institute is a leading Australian, unaligned, not-for-profit organisation passionate about social justice, equality and evidence-based research. With more than 400 staff and students, we work across cutting-edge research and projects to address some of the most relevant global health issues, including Disease Elimination, Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness, and Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health. We are headquartered in Melbourne, with offices in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar, and active programs across Australia, Asia-Pacific and Africa. Burnet is the only unaligned organisation in Australia with dual accreditation from both NHMRC and DFAT.

Bring your whole self to work

At Burnet, we foster a diverse and inclusive culture. We want our people to feel like they belong and are free to be themselves at work. We have an active Gender Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI) Council and hold an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award from SAGE. If you have a reasonable adjustment, support, or access requirement at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing 

Sounds great How do I apply?

Apply below and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Academic Transcripts

Applications close at 11:59pm AEST on Wednesday, 08 October 2025.

As part of our commitment to gender equity, we have included a question in the application process on gender. This will allow us to monitor and report on gender in relation to our recruitment process.

Burnet is a child safe organisation. The successful applicant will be required to apply for a National Police Check and/or Working with Children Check. Current Australian working rights are required for all applicants.