Research Assistant

• Contract
• Primary Location (Campus): Brisbane South (Nathan)
• Employment Type: Part Time
• Department ID: School of Environment and Science - ESC
• Appointment Type: Fixed Term

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to play a key role in supporting high‑quality laboratory and field‑based research. Working closely with the Chief Investigator, Group Leader and senior research staff, this role provides hands‑on oversight of laboratory operations, ensuring smooth delivery of experimental work and accurate research outputs.

The position is responsible for laboratory coordination, including inventory management, adherence to protocols, sample processing and tracking, maintenance of laboratory data records, and preparation of reports. In addition, the Research Assistant provides valuable administrative and project support, undertaking literature searches, liaising with external laboratory providers, coordinating orders, and maintaining project documentation.

You will also contribute to broader research activities by supporting field and laboratory training, assisting with sample collection, and helping to ensure research projects are well‑organised and compliant. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build practical research experience in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Conduct laboratory and field‑based research supporting the ARC Linkage Project: Climate‑smart technologies for dragon fruit and ginger production futures.
• Assist with data collection, storage and preliminary analysis, and contribute to reports and scholarly publications in line with research protocols.
• Support the Chief Investigator, Postdoctoral Research Fellows and Higher Degree Research students with laboratory and field experiments in soil–plant–climate systems.
• Assist with soil, plant and tree‑ring sample collection, preparation and stable isotope analyses (carbon and nitrogen).
• Undertake literature searches, routine scientific testing and simple interviews as required.
• Coordinate meetings and engagement with external project partners and collaborators.

About you

The successful candidate will have will hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of qualifications and/or experience.

You will also have:

• Demonstrated experience assisting with laboratory and/or field‑based research, preferably within agricultural, environmental or soil–plant systems research.
• Ability to collect, manage and undertake preliminary analysis of research data, with experience contributing to reports or scholarly outputs in line with research protocols.
• Proven capacity to support senior researchers and higher degree students in laboratory and field experiments, working collaboratively in a research team environment.
• Experience in sample collection and preparation (e.g. soil, plant or biological samples), with knowledge of routine laboratory techniques; experience with stable isotope analysis is desirable.
• Strong literature search, documentation and organisational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and project files.
• Well-developed communication and coordination skills, including the ability to liaise with internal staff and external research partners.

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

What we can offer

This is a fixed term (two years), 60% part-time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

The full-time equivalent base salary for a Research Assistant, Grade 1 is in the range $78,199 - $82,704 per annum, plus 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $91,493 - $96,764 per annum.

Additional Information

Why join Griffith? As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Opportunities for internal mobility
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

How to apply

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Zhihong Xu, Professor of Soil-Plant-Climate Systems at zhihong.xu@griffith.edu.au.

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on laura.whitworth@griffith.edu.au

Closing date: Friday 10th July at 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.