Lab Operations Associate

Overview
As Lab Operations Associate at Messenger Bio, you'll help build high-value mRNA-based products for our customers around the world. You'll get hands-on with cutting-edge mRNA and LNP science while building real skills in the operations that keep an early-stage biotech running. It's an ideal role for someone passionate about mRNA technology and eager to explore a career beyond traditional academic research.
About Messenger Bio
Thousands of human diseases still remain unsolved. Scientists need to be empowered with better access to foundational drug discovery technologies so they can get to the point of translation faster.That's why we exist. At Messenger Bio, we build differentiated, high-value biotechnology product platforms that make it easier for scientists to do their best work — combining deep biological and materials science expertise to industrialise the discovery of RNA medicines. mRNA is our starting point.
Today we offer end-to-end custom and catalogue mRNA, LNP formulation, in vitro and in vivo preclinical testing, and a growing line of proprietary kits — including our Armada™ LNP Transfection Kit and ShipRight™ room-temperature mRNA shipping. From our lab in Melbourne, we've delivered to 100+ leading institutions across 20+ countries, and we're just getting started.
About the role
This full-time role is on-site at our lab in Parkville, Victoria for 5 days per week. As our Lab Operations Associate, you'll help us build the high-value products our customers rely on, while contributing to the operations that keep us running. Day to day, you'll manufacture and QC our suite of products; research-grade mRNA, lipid nanoparticles, and mRNA purification kits and help coordinate order logistics and fulfilment from start to finish.
It's a rare chance to get hands-on with cutting-edge mRNA and lipid nanoparticle science while developing real skills in business operations and building relationships with researchers across the mRNA field.
What you’ll do:
Own order fulfilment from start to finish Engineer DNA plasmid constructs using standard genetic engineering techniquesHelp set up and validate new mRNA manufacturing processesRun cell culture–based experiments (e.g., mRNA transfections)Develop new products!Take the initiative to suggest ideas and solve problems
What to expect
We'll support you in getting up to speed quickly. There's room to shape your role, but here's a rough map of your first few months:
Within 1 month: Get to know the team, understand what we do, and become familiar with our SOPs.Within 3 months: Lead customer order fulfilment from start to finish, with some oversight.Within 6 months: Grow confident enough to start suggesting ideas and launching your own experiments.
This role is ideal for someone passionate about mRNA science and eager to explore a career beyond traditional academic research. You'll work with novel mRNA and lipid nanoparticle technologies and contribute to our customers' research from day one — helping shape the future of biotech innovation in Australia and beyond.
You can also expect:
A team that genuinely enjoys working together, and sets high expectations of ourselves and of youThe chance to build skills across every vertical of an early-stage biotech startup — from cutting-edge mRNA and LNP science to order fulfilment and cross-border shippingFlexible working hours
What you bring
The Tangibles:
At least 6 months of wet-lab experienceCompleted a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in biomedicine/biochemistry or a related fieldHands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, mammalian cell culture) — prior mRNA expertise is not required
The Intangibles:
Energy, initiative and work ethicThe ability to balance collaboration with independence — you thrive in a team but don't need to be told what to do at every step The ability to execute tasks reliablyClear, effective communication, both verbal and written
Ready to Apply?
To apply, email hiring@messenger.bio with the following:
CV attached1–2 minute video of yourself talking about something you’ve made, done, or been part of that you’re genuinely proud of—ideally something that highlights your work ethic, determination, and/or character.