Research Assistants – Pathways to PhD Program for NZ Graduates

THE HEART RESEARCH INSTITUTE (HRI) is an internationally recognised Medical Research Institute that performs ground-breaking cardiovascular research from our state-of-the-art facilities located in Newtown. For over 30 years, The HRI has been one of Australia's leading research organisations working to detect, prevent and treat heart disease. Through our research, The HRI has made significant findings that have changed the way we live with and treat cardiovascular disease.

The HRI is offering multiple Research Assistant placements across all of our Research Groups. This is an exciting opportunity for honours and masters graduates from New Zealand considering a career in medical research, including the pursuit of doctoral studies. The positions offer up to 12-months' paid work placement at HRI's state-of-the-art laboratories in Sydney, Australia for honours graduates to work as Research Assistants. This fantastic program ensures you will receive training and full mentorship in groundbreaking cardiovascular disease research, as well as the opportunity to build your career profile towards a PhD.

In addition to the benefits of working at an internationally recognised medical research institute, the program pays approximately AUD $ $79,613 plus superannuation contributions for the first year plus salary packaging benefits, and the opportunity to extend your stay and complete a PhD with the HRI. You can kick off your experience with HRI at any point in the year, with access to a wide range of research projects in which to build your skills. It also includes a paid flight support flight and two weeks' of accommodation assistance upon initial arrival in Sydney.

Research Themes

The HRI's mission is to prevent death and suffering from cardiovascular diseases, a complex array of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. We address areas of unmet need in cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, hypertension, heart failure, preeclampsia, congenital heart disease and pulmonary vascular disease, as well as metabolic complications such as diabetes. HRI Research Groups are using innovative methods to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.

To read more about our Research Groups, please follow this link: Research and Medical Science
• Heart Research Institute )

Please indicate which Research Group you would be interested in joining during your placement, otherwise you will be allocated to a group.

We offer:

• Convenient location in Newtown
• Salary packaging benefits and a competitive salary
• Flexible work environment
• Easy access to public transport for Sydney's city and transport links
• Rewarding work – making a difference everyday to those living with cardiovascular disease
• To view all of the benefits of working at HRI, please view our Benefits page: 

Criteria

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident to qualify for this opportunity. You do not have to be currently living in New Zealand, but must be able to demonstrate citizenship.
• You must have completed a minimum a four-year full-time honours degree or equivalent postgraduate program, including your research placement, in a relevant field of study.
• It is preferable that you have also completed a Masters degree due to the PhD requirements. Please ensure you have reviewed  the PhD entry requirements for the relevant University for your chosen PhD program (this can be discussed with your Group or Unit Leader).

How to apply

Applications must include:

• a one-page cover letter outlining your reasons for applying, your interests in research and which Research Group you would like to join
• your academic record
• your CV including referees (a summary of your work experience and other relevant activities)

Please submit your application all together as ONE PDF document, using the following naming convention lastname_firstname_2025.

Please note: Due to the volume of applications expected, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This is a Category A position according to the NSW Health Policy - Occupational Assessment, Screening Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases. The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of protection against the infectious diseases specified, at their own cost, prior to appointment.

The Heart Research Institute supports Equal Employment Opportunity.

We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Māori and Pasifika peoples, people with disability, LGBTQI individuals and applicants of diverse cultures and ages.

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees and affiliates, and our community. Whoever you are, you are welcome at HRI.

If you have a disability and need support to submit your application, please email