Research Scientist

Job Description:

• Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
• Part-time (80%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range of $104,616 - $113,920 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)
• Based at our Herston Campus

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist to join a collaborative, high‑performing team contributing to impactful scientific research within a dynamic laboratory environment. In this role, you will provide specialist technical expertise across both wet and dry laboratory activities, supporting complex experimentation, data analysis and the development of innovative research methodologies. Working closely with senior researchers, you will help advance projects that create meaningful change, uphold the highest standards of scientific excellence and contribute to a workplace where people and ideas can thrive.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Conduct complex laboratory experiments, apply advanced scientific techniques, contribute to the design and optimisation of research methodologies, and generate high‑quality data and reports that support impactful research outcomes.
• Promote a proactive safety culture by maintaining high standards of laboratory practice, managing chemical and sample inventories, supporting compliance with ethics protocols and ensuring safe design principles are embedded in all research activities.
• Train and mentor junior research staff and students, provide guidance on specialised equipment and laboratory procedures, and contribute to building a collaborative environment where colleagues can develop their skills and succeed.
• Assist with literature reviews, research proposals, grant applications and manuscript preparation, maintain accurate experimental records, and participate in team discussions, technical leadership activities and partnerships that advance the research program.

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
• Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Completion of undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology or Bioinformatics, with relevant experience in microbial genomics (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated expertise in Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing techniques, including preparation and processing of bacterial isolates and clinical samples.
• Strong understanding of microbiology principles, with hands on competency in wet lab techniques such as bacterial culture, manipulation and handling.
• Foundational knowledge of bioinformatic analysis, or the ability to learn under the guidance of senior bioinformaticians.
• Proven experience applying a broad range of research techniques across the research cycle, including accurate record keeping and adherence to research integrity and safety standards.
• Ability to train and support junior staff and students, and work effectively within a collaborative research team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear research documentation and engage effectively with colleagues.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, and other role-specific requirements such as mandatory immunisations. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

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 Dr Kay Ramsay.

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, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. 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 12 April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-62353). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Monday 27th April 2026.