The Sydney Brain Bank is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented and highly motivated professional to join our dedicated team. This position will be responsible for collecting, receiving and processing brain and spinal cord specimens to enable high quality tissue samples suitable for a variety of research applications.

Other duties will include microtomy of tissues and histological and immunohistochemical staining to enable accurate pathological characterisation of cases. Maintenance of laboratory stocks, equipment and records and assistance with researcher requests for specimens will also be required. This position has an on-call component for out-of-hours (weekend/public holidays) brain collection and dissection and 24/7 freezer monitoring.

Encouraging Indigenous Applications

NeuRA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position.

3 best things about the role

1.     It is a unique opportunity to work with the human brain.

2.     Being part of a small team where you can also work independently.

3.     Opportunity to contribute to research projects by generation of tissue samples.

Measures of success

• In 3 months you will have achieved a solid understanding of the protocols used in the Sydney Brain Bank.
• In 6 months you will have contributed to research through supply of high-quality tissue to researchers.
• In 12 months you will be an integral part of the team and be able to capably handle duties independently, allowing time to be involved in research projects.

Responsibilities of the role

• Receive human brain and spinal cord specimens, perform dissection of fresh tissue and slicing of fixed brain specimens and collection of tissue for tissue requests.
• Liaise with relevant health practitioners/NSW Health staff to collect paperwork necessary for brain and spinal cord removal at mortuary facility. Perform brain and spinal cord removal and transport tissue back to the Sydney Brain Bank.
• Maintain an on-call presence for out-of-hours fresh brain collection/dissection and freezer monitoring. This will require participation in an on-call roster to be available to perform brain and spinal cord collection and fresh tissue dissections (two weekends out of four and on other periods of staff leave) and to be one of two staff on a freezer monitoring roster 24/7.
• Paraffin embedding, sectioning and histological staining of specimens.
• Long-term maintenance and storage of specimens.
• Arrange dispatch of tissue samples by courier to researchers within required timeframes.
• Carry out laboratory duties including overseeing and monitoring of replacement stock, laboratory equipment maintenance and maintenance of records, reports and correspondence as required.
• Teaching of laboratory techniques to students and other staff as required.
• Provide technical and administrative support to the SBB Director, SBB Manager and the research team, and other duties as required.

To succeed in this role, you will need

• A degree or equivalent in a science-based discipline
• Current driver’s licence
• Experience in histological and immunohistochemical techniques
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Proven ability to show attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training

Key skills that would be advantageous

• Experience handling human tissue samples
• Knowledge of neuroanatomy
• Experience with Filemaker database systems
• Ability to accurately plan, execute and document experimental research
• Knowledge of autopsy procedure

Our values

Our values are the essence of our organisation – they are the principles that we live by, and are at the core of everything we do. NeuRA’s values are: Impact. Collaboration. Respect. Excellence. Integrity. Innovation.

NeuRA is committed to improving research quality. Our goals are to:

• Raise awareness
• Educate, Train & Foster
• Promote Openness
• Adopt Improvement

How to apply

For more information or a confidential chat about the role, please contact Heather McCann at h.mccann@neura.edu.au.

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria via Seek.

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination in all our employment policies and practices.

Please note that applications will not be accepted via other mediums i.e. email

Closing date: 10 July 2025

• Join a world-leading medical research institute dedicated to improving brain health
• Exciting socials and digital-first role with creative scope
• Competitive salary with a supportive and collaborative team culture

About The Role:

This exciting role offers a unique opportunity for a digitally-savvy communicator to make a real impact within a purpose-driven organisation. As Digital Communications Officer, you will be responsible for managing NeuRA’s social media and website presence - creating original and engaging content to drive our social media activity and grow our online community - as well as supporting broader communications and fundraising initiatives.

Reporting to the Communications Director and working within a collaborative Communications Team, the role will suit someone who is both creative and highly organised, with a passion for storytelling and an interest in science and health. The position provides the chance to work closely with researchers and internal stakeholders to bring NeuRA’s ground-breaking medical research to life for a broader audience.

The role is hands-on, varied, and full of potential—ideal for someone looking to grow their career in the not-for-profit, medical research, or science communication sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute content for NeuRA’s digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube
• Manage the social media editorial calendar and drive community engagement
• Maintain website content and support ongoing redevelopment efforts
• Create written, visual and multimedia content (graphics, photos, short-form video) to support digital storytelling and campaigns
• Assist with PR activities including social media monitoring and stakeholder communications
• Support the delivery of digital fundraising campaigns in collaboration with campaign managers
• Manage a multimedia content library and ensure content is scientifically accurate and brand-consistent
• Report on social and digital performance metrics, including growth and engagement

Knowledge and Skills:

• 1–2 years’ experience in digital communications, media, PR or marketing, ideally in the not-for-profit, health, or science sectors
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, marketing or a related field
• A strong understanding of social media platforms and digital content trends
• Proficient in website management systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Basic design and video editing skills using tools such as Canva, InDesign, Photoshop or similar
• High levels of organisation and the ability to manage multiple tasks
• A proactive and collaborative working style, with a strong work ethic and attention to detail

Why Work at NeuRA?

• Be part of an organisation making a real impact on community health and wellbeing
• Join a small, collaborative and motivated team
• An exciting role with room to innovate and grow
• Flexible hybrid working model
• Competitive salary and not-for-profit salary packaging benefits

How to Apply:

Applications are invited from candidates with a passion for digital storytelling and a desire to contribute to meaningful work in the medical research space. Please submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience.

Please apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on an immediate basis. Please direct all general enquiries to Matthew at Beaumont People at matthew.witheriff@beaumontpeople.com.au

Full time (35 hours per week), 6 months appointment

Salary - $125,616 + 11.5% superannuation (Pro-rata)

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a part time Genomics Trainee.  In this role you’ll receive training in genomic analysis and the use of specialist genetic knowledge to enhance the interpretative aspects of genomic analysis and reporting. You’ll inform the impact of different forms of genomic testing on decision making for families and health care providers regarding genomic diagnosis, counselling and management. 

What you’ll be doing

• Delivering clinically meaningful insights through in-depth analysis of genomic data
• Collaborating with our bioinformatics team to enhance and innovate our analysis pipelines
• Driving discovery by identifying novel disease genes through your own research and guiding others in the lab
• Communicating directly with referring clinicians and patients to return and explain genomic findings
• Leading the way in education—teaching genomic analysis to the wider medical and genetics community through structured regular meetings

This is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on genomics training and diagnostics with clinical impact at NSW Health Pathology Randwick Genomics. The position will be directly supervised by staff specialist pathologists in the Randwick Genomic facility. Successful candidates will be employed through Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and seconded to the NSW Health Pathology Randwick Genomics. This position is accredited for training through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Clinical Genetics, limited to 6 months).

What we’re looking for

• Current enrolment in a medical specialist training program with the RACP or equivalent and a medical degree registerable with AHPRA.
• Experience in molecular genetic techniques and information technology
• Professional training, qualifications and experience in genetics at an appropriate level
• Ability to develop, manage and maintain internal and external relationships
• Highly developed skills in facilitation and meeting leadership
• Highly developed written and verbal communications skills
• Experience leading, managing and working well within a team structure
• Experience working with clinical pathology services

About us

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is a leading medical research institute dedicated to understanding the human brain and nervous system. Our multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians work together to develop new treatments and therapies to improve the lives of people living with neurological and mental health conditions. Join us and be part of our mission to advance neuroscience research and make a meaningful impact on the community.

Encouraging Indigenous Applications

NeuRA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position.  

NeuRA’s Values

Here at NeuRA, understanding the science of the brain and nervous system is our life’s work. We are passionate about deepening our understanding of how the brain works, and finding better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat neurological disease, mental illness and injury. Research provide the power to cure, change and save lives – and we won’t stop while there are still diseases to fight.

IMPACT – OPENNESS – EXCELLENCE – INTEGRITY – INCLUSION

How to Apply

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria to Gemma Fernihough through email g.fernihough@neura.edu.au

Closing date: 28 May 2025

Position Salary: $125,616 + 11.5% superannuation (Pro-rata)

EEO and Right to Work Statement

You must have the right to live and work in Australia.
Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination in all our employment policies and practices.

Acknowledgement of Country

NeuRA acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, and extends respect to all Elders past, and present.