"Research Assistant"

Job Description:

• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $76,025.00 - $80,606.71 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 4)
• Based at our picturesque St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

Working within the Owen Academic Research Group, in close alignment with the Protein Expression Facility, you will support recombinant protein discovery and production and contribute to the development of innovative protein research candidates. As part of a collaborative team of experts, you will apply and expand cutting-edge protein technologies to deliver solutions for our industry partner through the ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals (AMTAR).

You will gain hands-on experience across a variety of projects – from protein expression and purification to biophysical characterisation and assay development. By working closely with both industry and academic collaborators, you will develop valuable expertise in biotechnology and pharmaceutical science while building a strong research profile.

AMTAR is funded through the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Research Hub scheme, as well as co-funding provided by our industry partners. AMTAR aims to develop new technologies and establish a platform for smart-design, manufacture and quality assurance of targeted radiopharmaceuticals. AMTAR is a large consortium led by The University of Queensland in collaboration with the University of Sydney and national and international partners https://www.amtarhub.com.au/about/.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Support recombinant protein production projects involving molecular engineering, protein expression, purification, and protein characterisation with buffer and media preparation.
• Assist with routine analysis such as Gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot.
• Laboratory housekeeping including dishwashing, stock control, equipment management and stock preparation.
• Contribute to monitoring and documentation of laboratory safety, risk management and biosafety.
• Maintain accurate and up to date laboratory book records.
• Any other duty as reasonably directed by your supervisor.

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
• Access to flexible working arrangements
• 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 $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Completion of a degree in relevant area; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Prior experience in working with yeast expression systems would be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated proficiency in buffer and media preparation with experience in routine analysis such as Gel Electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, and Western Blot.
• Demonstrated ability to follow protocols and instructions to perform work within a laboratory and team environment.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills to perform tasks within limited timeframes.
• Attention to detail to ensure all work is carried out safely and to the highest standard.
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
• Prior experience in recombinant protein expression and purification is desirable.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, education check etc.

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.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof David Owen - davidjames.owen@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 22 September 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-55805). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late September.