Research Assistant - Australian Human Microbiome Biobank

Reference number: 25671
Term: Fixed-term, full-time basis for twelve (12) months
Remuneration: $94,099 to $106,134 pa (HEW5) (inclusive of $79,514 to $89,685 salary pa, 17% superannuation and 17.5% recreation leave loading)
Location: Translational Research Institute
Open to: The position is open to applicants who have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of the fixed-term appointment. In support of our strategic priority of Indigenous Australian success, Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a Research Assistant - Australian Human Microbiome Biobank to join School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health.

The Australian Human Microbiome Biobank (AHMB) is expanding its operations and is seeking a Research Assistant to support the collection, processing and management of human microbiome samples and isolates. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing national resource supporting cutting-edge microbiome research and innovation. As a Research Assistant at AHMB, you will play a key role in the day-to-day activities of the biobank, ensuring that all samples are processed, documented and stored according to strict biosafety and quality standards. You will work collaboratively with a dedicated team to support ongoing research projects, uphold data integrity and contribute to the biobank’s continuous improvement initiatives.

About us

QUT is a major Australian university with a global outlook and a 'real world' focus. We are an ambitious and collaborative institution that seeks to equip our students and graduates with the skills they will need in an increasingly disrupted and challenged world.

The Centre for Microbiome Research was established in 2020 by Professor Gene Tyson, an expert in the field of microbial ecology. Professor Tyson and his team are actively involved in the development of innovative culture-independent molecular approaches and bioinformatic tools, and their application to answer important questions about microbial communities across a range of ecosystems. The team is made up of researchers with diverse expertise within microbial ecology and genomics, providing an intellectually robust and collaborative environment. The Centre is located within the Translational Research Institute (TRI), a unique multidisciplinary facility located at the Princess Alexandra hospital with a strong focus on translational research. This positions the team amongst top researchers and clinicians from diverse disciplines such as genomics, bioinformatics, immunology, oncology and gastroenterology, and provides the team with access to state-of-the-art core facilities. The Centre also has a dedicated PC2-certified laboratory fully equipped for molecular biology that includes an in-house white light laser confocal microscope (Leica), a PromethION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and access to a NovaSeq 6000 (Illumina). The Centre has a BD FACSAria Fusion fluorescence activated cell sorter with small particle detection and liquid handling robots for single cell genomic and culturing work, and maintains anaerobic culture and quarantine facilities. CMR has access to high-performance computing resources consisting of >13,000 CPUs and >100 GPUs. The operation of these facilities is supported by professional staff for microscopy, flow cytometry, sequencing and bioinformatics..

What you need to succeed

Education, training and/or experience equivalent to the completion of a degree in Biomedical Science, Microbiology or a related discipline.
Practical experience in microbiology techniques, including anaerobic culture handling and flow cytometry.
Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team while also taking initiative to work independently.

Life at QUT

We're committed to building a culture that fosters connection between people and purpose. Beyond personal and professional fulfillment, a career at QUT offers:

A healthy work-life balance with a blend of on-campus and off-campus work arrangements for applicable positions.
Competitive remuneration with up to 17% superannuation and leave loading of 17.5%.
Generous maternity leave including primary carer parental leave of up to 26 weeks (including 17% super).
Stay healthy with Fitness Passport and enjoy discounted rates on private health insurance.
Purchased Leave Scheme - up to 8 extra weeks.
Salary Packaging Scheme for additional superannuation contributions, vehicle leasing, and on-campus services such as childcare, parking, and gyms.
Numerous opportunities for professional development including leadership programs and workshops, and our study assistance scheme.
Commitment to our Indigenous Australian staff through initiatives such as the Indigenous Australian Staff Network, Cultural and Ceremonial Leave, Staff Development Workshops, and representation on university committees.

Explore more benefits of life at QUT.

Belong at QUT

We are guided by our values of Ambition, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Innovation, and Academic Freedom and our QUT Connections in our mission to inspire and shape the next generation of change-makers.

As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, we proudly support our Indigenous Australians Employment Strategy, aiming for an Indigenous Australian workforce participation of 3.6%. We extend a warm invitation to Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people to join us in pursuing a rewarding career at QUT.

We believe that diversity is our strength and are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse cultures, ages, linguistic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities, and those who are living with disabilities to apply for positions at QUT.

At QUT, diversity is not just embraced—it's celebrated. See our commitment

How to Apply

Discover the possibilities that await with a career at QUT. If you're ready to embark on a journey of innovation and opportunity, we're excited to meet you.

Find out more about this position and submit your application by clicking 'Apply' or the link below.

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Job opens: 26-Nov-2025

Applications Close: 14-Dec-2025 at 11.30pm