Senior Research Officer

The Opportunity

Our Translational Genetics Team focuses on providing molecular analysis of genetic variants, to deliver early, accurate diagnosis and inform best treatment for children living with genetic and rare diseases. The team applies functional genomics to interpret patient genetic variants, utilising induced pluripotent stem cells and directed differentiation to create personalised, and patient-specific disease models.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Officer to join our team to assist with our goal of reducing the time for patient diagnosis from 5+ years to less than three months. This research will involve the ongoing development of high throughput screening approaches for genetic variant assessment. The screening platforms aim to interpret novel genetic variants to support patient diagnosis, inform disease, and screen for personalised best treatment options.

The position involves project development and experimental design utilising the latest in induced pluripotent stem cell disease modelling, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and next generation sequencing approaches.

The role will encompass techniques such as single-cell RNAseq, ATAC-seq, targeted amplicon sequencing, methylation sequencing, and long read sequencing. The applicant will have a comprehensive knowledge of these approaches to support supervision and training of staff and students, assist with data analysis, and interpret research findings.

In this role you will have the opportunity to develop a world-leading rare disease research portfolio to deliver diagnosis and treatment to rare disease children in Western Australia and across the globe.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new high-throughput CRISPR and single cell assays for genetic variant analysis.
• Design experiments to best interpret patient phenotype using appropriate disease models.
• Single cell RNA sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, ATAC-seq, long read sequencing.
• Grant writing, preparation of manuscripts for publications, conference presentations, and clinical reporting.
• Contribution to research and clinical meetings for patient variant interpretation.
• Student and staff supervision.

Based in our modern offices within Perth’s Children’s Hospital, this position will be offered on a full-time basis for an initial 2-year period.

About You

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics or a related discipline, preferably with 10+ years research experience or strong track record in the field. You will also demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in molecular biology and cell biology methodology.
• Demonstrated experience in next generation sequencing.
• Application of long-read single cell transcriptomics, isoform-resolved transcriptomic analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and integrative multi-omics approaches.
• Expertise in iPSC disease modelling cardiac and neural.
• Capacity to identify research priorities and deliver project outcomes.
• Track record in scientific paper preparation and securing competitive research funding.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead multidisciplinary research projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, and lead others.
• High-level written and oral communication skills.

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 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 [email protected].

Click Here For The Job Description

Contact Name: Vanessa Fear

Contact Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 25/08/2026 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.

The Kids Research Institute Australia is committed to being champions of gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities and people living with disability. As such we are a proud Bronze award recipient of the first Australian Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program.

We acknowledge that when working in environments which contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, it is imperative that Aboriginal people are at the forefront of this work. We have launched the Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and researchers employed in the Institute who provide guidance and support in our work in Aboriginal health.