Advance our understanding of brain disease through cutting-edge translational neuroscience research.
· Salary Package: From $99,161 (HEW 6) per annum + 17% superannuation and annual leave loading. New salary rates are scheduled to apply from the first full pay period after 15 June 2026, with the applicable salary dependent on commencement date.
· Full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term opportunities until May 31, 2029
· Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Are you a skilled laboratory researcher with a passion for understanding neurodegenerative disease? This is an exciting opportunity to join a world-leading research group at Macquarie University, contributing to internationally collaborative projects that are pushing the boundaries of what we know about Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
Working within the 2IR NeuroHub under the supervision of Professor Glenda Halliday, you will play a key role in two major translational neuroscience projects. These projects integrate human postmortem brain tissue analyses, advanced molecular techniques, and cutting-edge imaging approaches to identify early disease mechanisms, cellular vulnerability, and biological subtypes of neurodegeneration.
This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of neurodegeneration research, leveraging state-of-the-art laboratory and analytical approaches, and collaborating with leading national and international partners including brain bank networks and global research initiatives.
About the Role
As a Research Officer, Neuroscience, you will support the design, coordination, and execution of laboratory-based experiments across two major neurodegeneration projects. Key responsibilities include:
Processing and analysing human postmortem brain tissue from longitudinally characterised donor cohorts,
Performing histological and molecular assays, including multiplex immunolabelling, staining, and microscopy-based imaging,
Conducting alpha-synuclein seed amplification assays and proximity ligation assays for protein interaction studies,
Supporting transcriptomic workflows, including sample preparation and coordination with sequencing platforms,
Acquiring, managing, and organising experimental data, including high-resolution imaging datasets,
Assistingwith quantitative image analysis and interpretation of cell- and organelle-specific changes,
Contributing to studies examining early nuclear and organelle dysfunction in frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementias,
Supporting research into Parkinson's disease heterogeneity as part of a global initiative examining biological subtypes,
Maintaininglaboratory equipment, supplies, and consumables while ensuring compliance with biosafety, human tissue handling, and ethical guidelines,
Contributing to the preparation of research outputs including reports, presentations, and manuscripts,
Participatingin group meetings and collaborative discussions with internal and external partners.
About Us
The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) is ambitiously pushing the boundaries of progressive thinking and challengingwhat’spossible to solve some of the big issues of our time, both nationally and on a global scale.
Thefacultyformspart ofMacquarie UniversityHealth, an integrated academic health sciences enterprise which incorporates Macquarie University Hospital and primary and speciality clinics. We have active research programs in biomedical andclinical sciences, cognitive and brain sciences, health systems, linguistics, physiotherapy,psychologyand public health, amongst others. Ourfacultyhosts the Australian Institute of HealthInnovation (AIHI), an internationally acclaimed powerhouse researching health systems, e-healthand patient safety.
In learning and teaching, thefacultyoffers a unique suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in many areas, including clinical, health and human sciences, linguistics, medicine, psychology, physiotherapy, speechpathologyand audiology.
About You
You are a motivated and detail-oriented researcher with strong laboratory skills and a genuine interest in understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease. You thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments and bring both technical rigour and scientific curiosity to your work.
Essential Selection Criteria:
A relevant tertiary qualification in neuroscience, biomedical science, molecular biology, or a related discipline,
Extensive experience in laboratory-based biomedical research,
Extensive experience with histology, immunohistochemistry, or fluorescence imaging techniques,
Skills in image analysis software or bioinformatics approaches,
Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret experimental results,
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in data recording and experimental procedures, and
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
DesirableCriteria
Experience working with human postmortem brain tissue,
Familiarity with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, or Parkinson's disease,
Experience with advanced techniques such as proximity ligation assays, seed amplification assays, or transcriptomic analyses.
*** Note:Appointment to this role will be subject to successful completion of an academic qualification check and compliance with Category A immunisation requirements, due to work involving human tissue. 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: Sunday 7 June 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
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 or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to bea 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, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.Take a lookat the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work 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
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:
07/06/2026 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.
