Research Assistant, Corneal Bioengineering

• Full time, fixed term role (up to June 2028)
• Research Assistant Level $82,760.92 per annum plus super
• State-of the-art facilities and generous salary packaging available

The role
We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant (Corneal Bioengineering) to join the Corneal Research Unit at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA). This exciting opportunity is part of an Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) funded translational research program developing bioengineered corneal tissues to address the global shortage of donor corneas for sight-restoring transplantation.

Working closely with the Research Lead, Senior Research Fellow and multidisciplinary collaborators, you will undertake laboratory-based and preclinical research, including cell biology, molecular biology, tissue dissection, large animal studies and data analysis. You will also contribute to research publications, grant applications and the translation of innovative therapies towards future clinical trials.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct laboratory-based cell biology and molecular biology experiments
• Support preclinical research using large animal models
• Maintain accurate research records and analyse research data
• Coordinate laboratory activities and maintain consumables
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams
• Contribute to scientific publications, grant applications and presentations.

Your skills and experience

• A Bachelor of Science (Honours), Master's degree or equivalent experience in biomedical science, cell biology, ophthalmic science or a related discipline
• Hands-on experience in laboratory-based biomedical research
• Experience with cell biology techniques, tissue dissection or microdissection, molecular biology methods, and maintaining accurate laboratory records
• Experience supporting in vivo animal studies, or a willingness and demonstrated ability to undertake training in these techniques
• Strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• A commitment to delivering high-quality research and contributing to scientific and clinical outcomes
• Experience in ophthalmic research, particularly corneal disease (desirable)
• Experience working with large animal models, particularly sheep (desirable).

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check.

About CERA
The Centre for Eye Research Australia is a not-for-profit and an international leader in eye research with real world impact. We are an independent Medical Research Institute closely affiliated with the University of Melbourne within the discipline of ophthalmology in the Department of Surgery, Melbourne Medical School. Our staff and students are located at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and 200 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne.

To learn more about our work, please visit our website.

Employee benefits

• Family-friendly workplace with flexible working
• Supportive culture which encourages career development and fosters innovation
• Generous salary packaging options including general expenses, meals and entertainment and novated car leasing (Salary packaging allows staff to reduce the amount of tax they pay, thereby increasing their take home salary)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Leave loading of 17.5%
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Weekly fruit boxes in the office.
  

How to apply
Submit a current resume and cover letter that details your interest and suitability for the role.

For more information about the role, a copy of the position description is available on our website or contact hr@cera.org.au.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with CALD backgrounds, people with a disability, people from the LGBTQIA+ community and women and gender diverse people.

If you require an adjustment to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our HR team.

Applications close 11:59pm on 2 October 2026.

We may conclude the job posting prior to the stated deadline should we identify a suitable candidate or receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply promptly.