Research Associate

Research Associate

Company: RAGE Biotech Pty Ltd

Laboratory-based role

Full-time

Location:  Jumar Bioincubator, Melbourne, Australia

RAGE Biotech is seeking to appoint an experienced, degree-qualified researcher in a newly created laboratory-based role

About the Company

RAGE Biotech is an emerging Australian pharmaceutical biotech company at the leading edge of RNA therapeutics for patients with difficult-to-treat diseases.

Our most advanced drug is an inhaled antisense oligonucleotide medicine for the treatment of chronic respiratory disease which will shortly enter a first-in-human clinical study.

We operate with a lean, highly collaborative team and partner closely with CROs, vendors, and external experts, and we have our own laboratory facilities at Melbourne's Jumar Bioincubator.

The Opportunity

Join a team developing life-changing medicines in the RNA therapeutics space

Position Summary

We are seeking a proactive and adaptable Research Associate to support the discovery, optimisation and nonclinical development of novel oligonucleotide-based medicines. Based in the RAGE Biotech laboratory at the Jumar Bioincubator in Melbourne, the successful candidate's lab experience and proficiencies will include cell culture, transfection, RNA and protein analysis, quantitation and imaging. This is a rare opportunity to join a growing and dynamic team in an Australian pharmaceutical start-up company at the cutting edge of RNA therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform experiments following established protocols, or assist in the development of new methods, to support preclinical drug discovery and development.
• Apply a broad range of molecular, protein chemistry, cell culture, and biochemistry techniques to examine the effects of RNA therapeutics in vitro and in vivo.
• Routine maintenance of cell cultures, including cell passaging, media preparation, and monitoring cell viability. Help develop and optimise cell-based screening assays.
• RNA and protein extraction and purification from cell and tissue samples.
• RNA and protein analysis, quantitation and imaging, by PCR (RT-PCR, qPCR and dPCR), Western analysis (gel blot and capillary), and in situ hybridisation.
• Capture, organize, and analyse experimental data using various software tools and statistical methods to industry standard. Assist in interpreting results and preparing reports for internal review and external presentations.
• Maintain highly precise and accurate records of experimental procedures, results, and observations in electronic laboratory notebooks; assisting with the preparation of documents for internal meetings, regulatory submissions, stakeholder due diligence and patent applications.
• Work collaboratively with internal (Company-based) and external (e.g., academic collaborators and contractors) researchers to support and achieve project milestones and objectives. Communicate effectively within the team and participate in regular meetings to discuss progress and strategies.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and company policies. Participate in safety training sessions and assist in maintaining a safe working environment for all laboratory personnel.
• Assist in quality control testing of reagents, materials, and equipment to ensure consistency and reliability of experimental results. Document quality control procedures and findings according to established protocols.
• Use highly developed time-management and organisational skills to coordinate and schedule experiments, tracking project timelines and milestones. Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and progress towards project goals.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Bachelors with Honours degree (or equivalent experience) in Cell or Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field – ideally with an understanding of the drug development process.
• Highly proficient in all aspects of sterile cell culture, and RNA and protein extraction and purification from cell and tissue samples.
• Proficiency in data analysis using software tools like Excel and GraphPad Prism, to draw meaningful conclusions from complex datasets.
• Highly proficient in RNA and protein analysis and quantitation by PCR (RT-PCR, qPCR and dPCR) and Western analysis (gel blot and capillary).
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently to produce high-quality research outputs.

Desirable

• Masters degree in a relevant discipline or other qualifications relevant to pharmaceutical discovery and  development and/or biotechnology.
• An understanding and preferably direct experience of the drug development process.
• Hands-on experience conducting experiments using in vitro and in vivo models commonly used in non-clinical research.
• Experience with in situ hybridisation, ELISAs and tissue imaging.
• Experience in industry (pharmaceutical or biotech company, commercial contract research organisation).

Our Ideal Candidate

You are curious, solution-oriented, and eager to learn. You're comfortable in a fast-paced, high-stakes decision-making environment, where uncertainty is the only certainty: this is the nature of early-stage drug discovery. You're a team-player and natural collaborator who thrives in an environment that values integrity, scientific rigour, and flexibility.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to the discovery and development of novel, game-changing RNA therapeutics to improve the lives of patients in need of better medicines
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• The chance to join a pharmaceutical biotech company in a phase of rapid growth
• Career-boosting industry experience in the revolutionary field of RNA therapeutics
• Location in a world-class biotech and translational medical research hub
• Salary Range: AUD $80,000 – $110,000 plus superannuation

Enquiries

Christopher Wraight, Chief Scientific Officer & Director