Research Assistant (X-Ray Crystallography)

Overview

Full-time , Fixed Term position for 3 years

Salary Academic Level A + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements

Based at the Melbourne CBD campus , but may be required to work and / or be based at other campuses of the University

About You

Th e Research Assistant will work on an ARC-funded grant to develop new serial crystallography methods to be used at the Australian Synchrotron. The aim of the project is to deliver a new analysis technique to obtain protein structures from nanocrystal diffraction collected via a novel sample delivery system. Our new crystallography approach is based on emerging correlation-based diffraction analysis techniques (also known as fluctuation scattering techniques).

The Research Assistant will be required to build a sample delivery system for protein nanocrystals to be operated on crystallography beamlines at the Australian Synchrotron. This will involve liaising w ith synchrotron staff, adapting the design to the synchrotron’s requirements and testing the system at the synchrotron. The researcher will be involved in protein production, purification, and characterisation for crystallisation studies. This role also involves crystallising nano-sized protein crystals and characterising their size for use in the sample delivery system. They may also use Python-based code written by the research group to analyse synchrotron data using the new structure determination technique.

Qualifications

PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Structural Biology, Biochemistry or related field .

Evidence of experience in synchrotron experiments and diffraction-based techniques ( e.g. crystallography or related methods)

Evidence of experience in materials synthesis or characterization ( e.g. protein crystals or related samples). Expertise in recombinant protein production, purification, and characterisation is preferred

Ability to design and develop experimental apparatus ( i.e. the sample delivery system).

Some experience with Python-based programming .

Evidence of research output including publications, conference contributions and / or technical reports in the field.

Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and undertake research projects independently.

Demonstrated interpersonal and communications skills appropriate for interacting with higher degree by research candidates, staff and industry, together with a strong commitment to teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Please Note : Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the College

The STEM College holds a leading position and expertise in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health (STEM) fields. We are uniquely positioned to influence and partner with industry, as never before.

STEM College is a community of exceptional STEM researchers, teachers, inventors, designers and game-changers, supported by talented professional staff. We offer higher education programs across all STEM disciplines at the Bachelor, Master and PhD levels, and ensure our students experience an education that is work-aligned and life-changing.

The College is renowned for its exemplary research in many STEM areas including advanced manufacturing and design; computing technologies; health innovation and translational medicine; nano materials and devices; and sustainable systems. Our brilliant researchers attract funding from government and industry sources.

Industry is at the heart of what we do. It ensures our research has real world impact, and our students are truly work-ready. Under the leadership of DVC STEM College & Vice President, Digital Innovation, we have established new hubs of industry-connected digital innovation and endeavour and are engaging with global STEM organisations at scale.

Our diversity and shared values empower our work, and we are proud of the College’s inclusive, caring culture. We offer a safe, dynamic work environment, and support every member of our community to achieve their potential. The College appointed Victoria’s first ever Dean of STEM, Diversity & Inclusion in 2020, and this role drives gender equity, diversity and inclusion strategies across the College.

STEM College employs 1,000 staff who deliver onshore and offshore programs to approximately 20,000 students.

We are here to positively impact the world and create the next generation of STEM leaders.

www.rmit.edu.au / seh

To Apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing your suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘ Apply ’ link at the top of this page.

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description or contact Dr. Andrew Martin via email .

Position Description - Research Assistant - X-ray Crystallography

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.

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Applications Close : 31 Oct 2025 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander community.

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