Scientific Officer

Job Description:

• The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
• Full-time (100%), continuing position
• Base salary will be in the range $83,776.43 – $93,121.40 + 17% super (HEW Level 5)
• Based at St Lucia location.

About This Opportunity

This role provides specialist scientific and technical support to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching laboratories within the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences. Working in a highly collaborative environment alongside academic staff, laboratory coordinators and professional colleagues, the Scientific Officer plays a critical role in enabling high-quality, safe and engaging laboratory-based learning experiences across microbiology, molecular biology, parasitology and biochemistry disciplines. This is a purposeful, hands-on role focused on operational excellence, problem-solving and student success.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Preparing, setting up and supporting laboratory practical classes, including reagents, equipment, demonstrations and experiments.
• Providing real-time troubleshooting and technical support during teaching laboratories to ensure smooth delivery of practical classes.
• Maintaining teaching laboratories, instruments and equipment to high standards, including calibration, servicing and repairs.
• Supporting the development, testing and continuous improvement of new and existing laboratory practical's, including blended and online delivery modes.

About You

You are a technically capable and service‑oriented scientific professional who thrives in fast‑paced teaching environments and values collaboration, safety and precision.

You will bring:

• Completion of a degree or Honours in Biochemistry, Microbiology and/or Molecular Biology, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training.
• Broad practical expertise across molecular biosciences techniques, laboratory equipment and instrumentation, with the ability to rapidly acquire discipline‑specific knowledge.
• Demonstrated commitment to scientific rigour, accuracy and attention to detail, including experience troubleshooting experiments and equipment.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory safety practices, including risk assessments, safety data sheets and regulatory compliance.
• Well‑developed digital capability, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and online learning technologies.
• Experience working effectively in a teaching laboratory or similar educational environment, with a strong focus on client service and teamwork.
• The ability to remain calm, organised and adaptable during peak teaching periods and competing priorities.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Mariza Vos via mariza.vos@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.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information

Pre‑employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia. 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.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close 18 May 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R‑64536).
*Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for week commencing 25 May 2026.*

Posted: 12/05/2026