Synopsis: This Bacteriologist/Molecular Biologist will report to Dr Muhammad Kamruzzaman and will be responsible for providing experimental support for a research grant. The main role is to provide experimental support for an NHMRC‐funded project studying natural conjugative plasmids, with the aim of developing preventative probiotic plasmids to protect bacteria against the acquisition and spread of plasmids carrying important antibiotic resistance genes.
Primary duties are to conduct experiments to better understand the biological functions of plasmid‐modular systems and to assist with genetic engineering of plasmids, as well as experiments to test plasmids in mice. This will require skills in bacteriology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, and genetic engineering benchwork, including DNA/RNA extraction and analysis, PCR analysis, bacterial conjugation, cloning, and mutagenesis experiments.
This role sits within the Plasmid team in CIDM, and the staff member will be required to work collaboratively with other team members.
The contract is extendable based on satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Key Responsibilities
* Perform day‐to‐day laboratory experiments assigned by supervisors.
* Support the achievement of project goals by undertaking a range of research and administrative support tasks, including data collection, recording and analysis, and preparing and documenting results in accordance with established research objectives, timeframes and protocols.
* Assist in preparing research reports and other documentation, including undertaking literature reviews and data analysis.
* Comply with established research methodology, ethics, policy, protocols, and other regulatory requirements.
* Maintain effective communication with supervisors, colleagues, and collaborators to support and facilitate research objectives.
Essential Requirements
* A PhD in Molecular biology/Biotechnology/Microbiology or a related area; or a Bachelor's degree in biomedical science and substantial relevant skills and experience in molecular biology and bacteriology.
* Practical working experience in bacteriology, including making media, growing and maintaining bacterial cultures, and bacterial growth kinetics assays.
* Sound knowledge and practical working experience in advanced molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, gene cloning, and mutagenesis.
* Proven organisational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to prioritise own workload and to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, meeting competing deadlines and delivering high‐quality outcomes.
* Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to draft various research‐related papers.
* Experience in using statistical software.
About WIMR
At the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR), we focus on tackling real‐world health challenges through research that leads to tangible clinical outcomes. Our work spans cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions, with the goal of turning scientific breakthroughs into treatments that improve lives.
We specialise in precision medicine, leveraging advanced technologies such as gene and cell therapies, bacteriophage and plasmid therapies, islet transplantation, bioinformatics, regenerative medicine, and genomics. Our discoveries progress to first‐in‐human clinical trials through partnerships with the Westmead Health Precinct and national collaborators, ensuring rapid translation into patient care. Beyond the clinic, we work closely with industry partners to bridge gaps in healthcare, ensuring that new therapies and innovations reach those who need them most, on a global scale.
Applications close on 18 March 2026.
Westmead Institute for Medical Research is committed to workplace equity, diversity and inclusion. We value and acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents and cultures that they bring to work with them each day. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of attracting and retaining talent in our workforce. The creation of a diverse and inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential, enhance our success and achieving our vision to improve health outcomes.
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