Contribute to groundbreaking neurodegenerative disease research and help uncover the mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease and related conditions.
· Salary: From $88,670 per annum (HEW Level 5) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
· Appointment Type: 2 full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term opportunities until May 31, 2029
· Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Are you passionate about neuroscience research and ready to make a meaningful contribution to understanding some of the most complex diseases affecting the brain? Macquarie University is seeking a Research Assistant to join the 2IR NeuroHub team, led by Professor Glenda Halliday, within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to provide technical and operational support to laboratory-based neuroscience research focused on mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease. You will play a key role in the preparation, processing, and analysis of biological tissue samples to enable research projects that investigate molecular, cellular, and pathological changes associated with disease vulnerability, progression, and treatment.
You will be part of a multidisciplinary team investigating topics at the forefront of neuroscience — from the biological mechanisms underlying sleep disorders and cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease, toidentifyingearly cellular disruptions in non-Alzheimer neurodegenerativediseases andexamining RNA dysregulation and its role in neuronal vulnerability.
Key responsibilities include:
Technical and Laboratory Support
Undertake routine laboratory procedures including tissue preparation, sectioning, and immunohistochemistry stainingin accordance withestablished protocols
Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, solutions, and consumables to support experimental workflows
Assistwith specialised techniques such as antibody-based assays, multiplex labelling, and optimisation of staining protocols
Maintainlaboratory equipment ensuring it is used,maintained, and calibrated per standard operating procedures
Data Collection, Imaging and Processing
Acquiremicroscopy images and undertake digital image processing, organisation, and basic quantitative image analysis
Collect, record, and organise experimental data using defined methods and systems
Perform anatomical annotation or tissue-based analyses to support project-specific analytical workflows
Maintainaccurateand complete records of tissue samples, experimental procedures, and datasets
Operational and Project Support
Maintain laboratory facilities, including stock management and ordering of consumables
Ensure laboratory compliance with biosafety and WHS requirements
Provide technical support to assigned research projects investigating neurodegenerative disease mechanisms
Assistwith the implementation of experimental workflows and contribute to achieving project milestones
Team Contribution
Work within a multidisciplinary research team
Communicate progress and technical issues to supervisors
Provide support to students and other staff within the scope of the role
About Us
The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) is ambitiously pushing the boundaries of progressive thinking and addressing some of the big issues of our time, both nationally and on a global scale. Thefacultyforms part of MQ Health, an integrated academic health sciences enterprise which incorporates Macquarie University Hospital and primary and speciality clinics. We have active research programs in biomedical and clinical sciences, cognitive and brain sciences, health systems, linguistics, physiotherapy,psychologyand public health. Ourfacultyhosts the Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI), an internationally acclaimed centre researching health systems, e-healthand patient safety.
About You
You are a detail-oriented professional with a background in biomedical or neuroscience research, who thrives in a laboratory environment. You take pride in producing high-quality, reliable work and enjoy being part of a team working towards shared goals.
Selection Criteria:
Completion of a degree in biomedical science, neuroscience, molecular biology, or a related discipline; or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through relevant experience
Demonstrated experience in a laboratory or technical environment
Experience in applying standard laboratory techniques such as tissue preparation, handling, and/or immunohistochemistry
Attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures and protocols accurately
Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise routine tasks
Effective interpersonal and communication skills
Experience working with biological tissue (human and/or animal models), microscopy, digital imaging, image analysis software, or familiarity with neurodegenerative disease research is highly regarded
*** Note:Appointment to this role will be subject to successful completion of an academic qualification check and compliance with Category A immunisation requirements, including relevant vaccination and immunisation assessments.The successful applicant must have valid work rights in Australia for the duration of their employment.
How to Apply
To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the selection criteria (above) and how your experience and capabilities would contribute to success in the role.
Applications Close: Monday 8June 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)
**We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early ifa sufficient number ofqualified applicants is received.
For enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Glenda Halliday at glenda.halliday@mq.edu.au, or Heidi Cartwright, Research Project Manager at heidi.cartwright@mq.edu.au
Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.
Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Extensive training and professional development programs
Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
Onsite vacation care during school holidays
Discounted health insurance
Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates willbe requiredtoparticipatein a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
08/06/2026 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.
