Research Assistant

Job Title

Research Assistant

Job Description

An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Assistant to join the Longley Laboratory in the Infection and Global Health Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the position

We are seeking a driven and collaborative Research Assistant to join the Longley Laboratory under the Vivax Serology Partnership (VISPA) program funded by the Gates Foundation. The Laboratory has a focus on global health immunology. We investigate the human immune response to infectious diseases such as malaria and leverage this knowledge to develop novel surveillance tools and inform preventative interventions. We are a diverse and highly collaborative team, primarily working with samples from malaria-endemic countries.

This role is ideal for a curious and passionate scientist who has a focus on research translation and is keen to develop technical skills whilst also supporting researchers in malaria-endemic countries. The successful candidate will contribute to provision of laboratory reagents to partners in malaria-endemic countries, including running online and in-person training sessions. They will also perform QA/QC on sample sets shipped to WEHI and contribute to documentation, organisation, and ethics for this project.

This role is expected to include significant travel to malaria-endemic countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This is estimated at no more than 6 trips per year, ranging in duration from 4-7 nights.

Selection Criteria

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelors with Honours or Masters in immunology or infectious diseases

• Experience with Luminex assays

• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills

• Proven interpersonal and collaborative skills in achieving research outcomes

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience working in other countries, including fieldwork

• Familiarity with data analysis in R

• Research experience that has resulted in publications, conference papers or reports

• Experience with project governance activities, including human ethics applications and reporting

Personal Qualities

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality research

• Demonstrated ability to use initiative to manage time effectively, prioritise workload during busy periods, be reliable and approachable

• Enthusiasm for contributing to research that addresses critical public health challenges related to infectious diseases

Terms of appointment

This position is one year in a full or part time capacity, with the possibility to extend for a second year. Salary is Research Support Employee Level 5 ($82,018 - $94,209). Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme. 

General enquiries can be directed to Dr Rhea Longley – Longley.r@wehi.edu.au

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: Sunday 15 March 2026