Research Officer - Stem Cell Biology

An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Officer to join the Molecular Sciences Division and Parkinson's Disease Research Centre at Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position
This role is part of Synerva Therapeutics Ltd, a WEHI start-up dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape for Parkinson's disease. Synerva leverages cutting-edge insights in neurobiology to design and develop first-in-class small-molecule therapies to stop neurons from dying in neurodegenerative diseases. By targeting the underlying molecular drivers of neurodegeneration, Synerva aims to move beyond symptomatic relief toward disease-modifying solutions.

Our multidisciplinary team partners with clinicians and lived experience to ensure we are translationally focused and patient centred. The company aspires to develop treatments that can meaningfully improve outcomes and redefine what is possible for individuals living with Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative conditions.

The purpose of this position is to establish Parkinson's patient stem cell-derived neuron and co-culture models and to test small molecule drug candidate leads.

The position will work closely with other members of Synerva and the Dewson lab and contribute to the overall team. The successful applicant will work in a supportive research environment that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigour. They will be expected to conduct milestone-oriented research to contribute to the development of new medicines in alignment with the Synerva project plan and to report findings to internal and external stakeholders. Publication opportunities will align with commercial priorities.

Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• A relevant doctoral qualification plus postdoctoral experience, or equivalent experience in an industry setting.
• Background in Parkinson's disease and/or neurodegenerative disease researc
• Demonstrated ability and potential for excellence and productivity in research.
• Demonstrated experience working with stem cell models and neuronal differentiation.
• Experience in human neuronal organoid models.
• Experience conducting research in compliance with stringent human ethics requirements.
• Proven interpersonal and collaborative skills in achieving research outcomes.

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience in human stem cell reprogramming.
• Experience with flow cytometry, imaging and biochemical techniques.
• Experience working in an IP-sensitive environment e.g. commercial academic projects, biotech, pharma or start-up.
• Experience with writing human ethics applications, amendments and reports.

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a team environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and record keeping, ensuring that data, new methods and theories are accurate, of high-quality and accessible to other researchers.
• Ability to manage time effectively and be reliable and approachable.
• Ability to work towards focused research milestones.

Terms of Appointment
This position is available in a full time capacity for 1 year with possible extension contingent on funding. Salary is Research Employee Level A6-A8 ($107,194-$115,059). 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 Grant Dewson - ••••@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 20 September 2026; however we will be reviewing applications as they are received, and WEHI reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate prior to the closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing this opportunity.

WEHI - Brighter together

WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.

WEHI is a place where people are able to shine. People who are inquisitive, who are committed, who are passionate. People who want to make a difference. And we are committed to ensuring they have the tools to flourish, personally and professionally. We are a community of researchers, students and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. We are driven by collaboration, curiosity and creativity. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world. We are WEHI. We are brighter together.

WEHI's commitment to diversity and inclusion

At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.

Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.

WEHI's commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.