"Research Assistant - Sequencing"

• $81,105 to $91,478
• Fixed-term, full-time
• Translational Research Institute
• Reference number: 25676
• 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. Please note that current staff wishing to be considered for secondment to this position must seek prior approval from their supervisor before submitting an application.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a Research Assistant - Sequencing to join School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health.

We are seeking a Research Assistant with practical experience in molecular biology and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS), who thrives in a structured, industry-style laboratory environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, efficiency, and accountability in meeting project deadlines. As part of a small, skilled team, you will be responsible for executing laboratory workflows, maintaining rigorous quality standards, and contributing to process optimisation and technology implementation as new platforms and methods are introduced.

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

1. Education, training and/or experience equivalent to the completion of a degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
2. Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows (e.g., Illumina, Oxford Nanopore) or key molecular biology techniques such as PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and quantification.
3. Demonstrated ability to follow SOPs and quality protocols with precision.
4. Strong interpersonal, organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work effectively under time constraints.
5. Experience with laboratory safety, documentation, and recordkeeping practices, as well as Laboratory Information Management Systems
6. Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and integrity.

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.

View the job details at: [Insert link to job]

Job opens: 24-Nov-2025

Applications Close: 08-Dec-2025 at 11.30pm