Research Officer

Job description:

Role Type: full time, 2 year - contract

Salary: $109,334 - $117,360 p.a plus super

• Lead breakthrough research in lung disease at world-class MCRI

• Use stem cell models to reveal how viruses drive COPD & wheeze

• Apply CRISPR, drug screens & mentor the next generation of scientists

The opportunity:

An opportunity exists for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Officer to join the Lung Disease Research laboratory at MCRI. The successful candidate will join a collaborative research program investigating viral exacerbations in preschool wheeze and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The successful candidate will use pluripotent stem cell-derived models of the human lung to study how common viral infections drive disease flares. This work will integrate molecular analyses with translational approaches, including high-throughput drug screening, and will employ CRISPR-based methods to investigate genetic predisposition to disease. Finally, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the mentoring and training of junior research team members, and to develop independent research directions within the scope of the program.

Your responsibilities include:

• Undertake discovery research using human pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived lung models to investigate mechanisms of viral exacerbations in preschool wheeze and COPD
• Perform PSC differentiations to generate airway epithelial cell, endothelial cell and smooth muscle lineages for disease modelling
• Conduct infections of PSC-derived respiratory cells with common viral triggers and apply transcriptomic, epigenetic, and phosphoproteomic approaches to map host responses over time
• Employ CRISPR-based methods to investigate genetic predisposition to viral exacerbations
• Contribute to high-throughput drug screening and validation of candidate therapeutic interventions
• Work to attract external competitive funding and has a record of high-quality publications, research impact and peer recognition

What we need from you:

• Relevant PhD/Doctoral qualification
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Background in studying respiratory disease pathogenesis, pluripotent stem cells or infections in human epithelial cells
• Highly experienced with cell culture (pluripotent stem cell culture preferred)
• Knowledge of lung development, lung biology, and respiratory infections
• Experience with microbiology, especially virology

For full viewing of responsibilities and requirements please refer to the position description.

Any specific questions related to this position should be directed to Rhiannon Werder at

What's in it for you?

• Maximise Your Pay: Benefit from salary packaging, including entertainment and novated leases
• Flexible Working Options: Enjoy a variety of flexible work arrangements.
• Make a Difference: Collaborate with a team passionate about making a positive impact
• Supportive Environment: Work in a dynamic and energetic setting with our expanding team.
• Career Development: Access ongoing training and career development programs.

Who we are

Murdoch Children's Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.

We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.

Join Us

If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply by submitting:

• Your resume
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.

We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier-free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.

For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment team at Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

No recruitment agencies please.

Position Description

Applications close: Sunday 09 November 2025 AUS Eastern Daylight time