"Research Assistant"

Job Description:

• Institute for Molecular Bioscience
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months
• Base salary will be in the range $82,133.76 - $91,295.50 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Research Assistant to contribute to groundbreaking vaccine development projects. In this role, you will assist in testing innovative targets of T-cell and antibody responses against malaria as potential vaccine candidates. Your work will involve assessing immunogenicity, protective capacity, and biological function in mouse models using cutting-edge vaccine platforms and in vitro immune assays. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with national and international experts and gain hands-on experience in immunology and vaccine development with a range of vaccine technologies, including mRNA and viral vector platforms.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Work effectively in a team environment in support of project objectives
• Set up, monitor, and conduct experiments under broad direction, ensuring accuracy and compliance with protocols.
• Perform animal handling and procedures, including injections, monitoring, organ harvesting, and euthanasia.
• Conduct immunology assays such as ELISA, flow cytometry, and ELISpot with murine and/or human samples
• Execute molecular biology techniques, including qRT-qPCR.
• Prepare vaccine constructs, including mRNA, plasmid DNA, and recombinant viral vectors using novel platforms.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including preparation of chemicals and reagents, sourcing and managing materials, and organising physical and digital reagent databases and laboratory notebooks.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, documentation, and comprehensive experimental records, while troubleshooting issues and assisting with interpretation of results.
• Prepare technical reports and contribute to progress reporting, including data analysis, milestone tracking, and coordination of financial administration in line with University policies.

Research

• Assist in the design, setup, and conduct of major experiments and research programs, including standard demonstrations and equipment use, under general and broad direction.
• Perform advanced laboratory techniques, including animal handling and procedures (IP, IV and IM injections, euthanasia), molecular biology (RT-qPCR), and immunology assays (ELISA, flow cytometry, ELIspot), while interpreting experimental results and troubleshooting issues.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings, including reporting results at laboratory meetings and contributing to progress updates.

Safety

• Contributes to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies and protocols
• Ensures the appropriate storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, equipment, stores and/or samples/specimens

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
• 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in science or related discipline (biomedical science, immunology, cell biology)
• Experience in mouse models of disease and animal handling
• Experience in cellular and molecular immunology, including ELISA, flow cytometry, ELIspot
• Molecular biology expertise, including RNA extraction and RT-qPCR.
• High-level computer and database literacy skills, including the Microsoft Office suite and PRISM.
• Ability to learn new techniques (molecular biology, immunology, vaccine delivery)
• Excellent organisational skills, lab management skills, and ability to work to tight deadlines
• Self-motivated and ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines and service expectations.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability to work independently as well as part of a cohesive team
• High-level interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and a commitment to an excellent team environment.
• Commitment to excellence and an ability to work diligently with a high level of accuracy
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation schemes, occupational health and safety
• Curiosity and creativity

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, mandatory immunisation history.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Denise Doolan at d.doolan@imb.uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Sunday 18 January 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-58311). Please note that applications will be reviewed as received with interviews scheduled as soon as possible.

Posted: 03/12/2025