Casual Laboratory Assistant

• Work Pattern: Casual approximately 1 to 2 days per week (flexible)
• Hourly Rate: $34.25 $37.93 25% Casual loading plus superannuation.

About the area

The Oceans Institute at the University of Western Australia integrates multidisciplinary research and expertise to address global challenges in ocean health sustainable resources and marine conservation. Through collaboration with international partners and industry leaders the institute drives innovative solutions to protect and manage our marine environments for future generations.

About the opportunity

Culture Management & Troubleshooting

• Maintain existing stock cultures of marine (e.g. Symbiodiniaceae) algae.
• Isolate and establish new cultures from environmental samples.
• Troubleshoot difficult cultures that exhibit slow growth or contamination.

Media Preparation & Sterilization

• Prepare complex synthetic and enriched seawater media (e.g. IMK f/2) with needed pH and salinity adjustments.
• Operate autoclaves and filtration systems to ensure absolute sterility.
• Manage biosecurity chemical inventory and MSDS documentation.

Scaling & Biomass Production

• Transition cultures from small-scale flasks to large-scale.
• Monitor growth kinetics using cell counting (hemocytometry) or fluorometry.

About you

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated experience in aseptic technique and working within a laminar flow hood.
• Algal Expertise: Knowledge of algal growth requirements (nutrients light spectra photoperiods).
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify early signs of culture stress and implement corrective actions.
• Attention to Detail: Rigorous record-keeping skills for tracking culture lineage and media batches.
• Educational Background: Currently pursuing or completed a degree in Marine Science Biology Microbiology or a related field.

Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence sexual harassment and related misconduct to meet legal obligations.

How to apply

Please apply by emailing your resume to Kate Quigley at

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Wednesday 13 May 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record vibrant campus and working environments there is no better time to join Western Australias top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds the LGBTIQA community and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively please contact the Talent team at with details of your query. To enable a quick response please include the 6-digit job reference number.