Senior Research Officer

The Opportunity

The Mitochondrial Medicine and Biology Group at The University of Western Australia and The Kids Research Institute Australia is seeking Senior Research Officers to contribute to cutting-edge research in protein engineering and mitochondrial biology. These roles will focus on developing and applying innovative approaches to understand mitochondrial function and explore new therapeutic opportunities.

Successful applicants will undertake laboratory-based research involving protein engineering, molecular biology, cell culture, mitochondrial functional assays, and data analysis. They will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments, interpreting results, maintaining research records, and contributing to publications, presentations, and grant applications.

Based at our offices in Nedlands, this position is offered on a full-time basis for a one-year fixed-term appointment.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must have unrestricted Australian work rights to be considered.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, biophysics, protein science, or a related field.
  
• Strong expertise in protein engineering or protein biochemistry, including cloning, protein expression, purification and characterisation.
  
• Experience in mitochondrial biology, including mitochondrial function and metabolism.
  
• Strong experience in molecular biology, biochemistry and/or cell biology, with the ability to independently design and conduct experiments.
  
• Strong analytical skills, including experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.
  
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment, with strong scientific writing and communication skills.
  
• Experience with bioinformatics, R, Python or related computational tools.

At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.  

If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:

• Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
  
• Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
  
• Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
  
• Partner with communities to strengthen cultural awareness and belonging.
  
• Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups. 
  
• We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.
  

Alongside our inclusive culture, you’ll enjoy:  

• Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
  
• Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
  
• Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
  
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
  
• Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
  
• Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
  
• Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.
  

How to Apply

If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application.

Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact recruitment@thekids.org.au.

Click here for the Job Description

Contact Name: Aleksandra Filipovska

Contact Email: aleksandra.filipovska@thekids.org.au

Closing Date: 02/10/2026 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.