Research Officer

An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Officer (Postdoc) to join the Komander lab in the Ubiquitin Signalling Division at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the position

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist with a background in ubiquitin biology and biochemistry, cell biology, cell signalling and imaging, to take on a project on non-protein ubiquitination. The successful candidate will report to David Komander and is expected to plan and execute their work independently within a cross-disciplinary lab of chemists, biochemists, mass-spectrometrists, structural biologists, cell biologists and physiology experts.

The Komander lab uses state-of-the-art technology, to advance studies relating to the ubiquitin system in disease processes and as a potential target for drug treatments. The lab is embedded in the Ubiquitin Signalling Division, providing a vibrant, multi-disciplinary and highly collaborative environment at the forefront of ubiquitin research. The Institute provides access to state-of-the art imaging, proteomics and drug discovery facilities.

Selection Criteria

Essential Knowledge and skills:

• Recently obtained PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Research experience that has led to 1st author publication(s) in a peer reviewed journals in the field of biochemistry, structure and function, ideally related to ubiquitin research.
• High level of written and oral communication skills.
• Proven interpersonal and collaborative skills in achieving research outcomes.

Personal qualities:

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a team environment
• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that data, new methods and theories are accurate, of high quality and accessible to other researchers.
• Self-motivation to take on challenging projects in new biological areas for the lab.
• Ability to manage time effectively and be reliable and approachable.
• Willingness to learn new skills.

Terms of appointment

This position is available for 2 years in a full-time capacity. Salary is Academic Level A6-A8 ($104,071-$111,707). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to David Komander -

A position description is available here.

How to Apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date: Friday 5 December 2025

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WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.

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WEHI's commitment to diversity and inclusion

At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.

Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.

WEHI's commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.