Research Assistant in In Vivo Pharmacology and Pain Neuroscience

Full-time fixed term position until November 2027 (with the chance of extension). Located at our Camperdown campus
Exciting opportunity to join an externally funded research program developing novel pain therapeutics
Base Salary HEO5 $93,345 -$104,515 per annum + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Assistant in Vivo Pharmacology and Pain Neuroscience to join an externally funded preclinical research program focused on developing and evaluating novel pain therapeutics. Working closely with the Chief Investigator and research team, you will play a key role in conducting in vivo pharmacology studies, supporting animal ethics compliance and generating high-quality data to advance translational pain research.
Your work will directly contribute to the development of innovative approaches to pain management while supporting a collaborative and research-intensive environment.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
coordinate and conduct approved rodent in vivo pharmacology studies evaluating novel pain therapeutics
prepare drug formulations, perform dose calculations and administer compounds through approved routes
perform blood and tissue collection, sample processing and biological specimen management
undertake approved anaesthesia, aseptic surgical procedures and peri-operative and post-operative care
conduct pain-related behavioural assessments and animal welfare monitoring in accordance with approved protocols
contribute to animal ethics documentation, research data analysis and reporting of study outcomes.
About you
tertiary qualification in pharmacology, neuroscience, biomedical science, physiology, veterinary bioscience or a closely related discipline
demonstrated hands-on experience conducting rodent in vivo pharmacology studies in a research environment
experience with compound formulation, dose calculation, administration, blood collection and biological sample handling
demonstrated competency in rodent anaesthesia, aseptic surgery, post-operative care and welfare monitoring
experience contributing to animal ethics applications, compliance processes and approved animal research programs
experience collecting, analysing and interpreting experimental data using relevant research and statistical software.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Pre-employment checks and declarations
Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nicole Feain and Liam Newson, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au
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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Sunday 04 October 2026 11:59 PM