Senior Research Assistant - Grain Legume Crops

About This Opportunity

The Senior Research Assistant provides specialised technical research support and subject matter expertise to enable the delivery of high‑quality, industry‑focused research outcomes for the grains sector. Working as part of a collaborative and inquisitive research team, this role supports research activities across controlled environment facilities and field sites, contributing across all stages of the research life cycle. You will play an important role in applied research that addresses real‑world challenges for grain legume production, while contributing to a safe, sustainable, and well‑managed research environment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating aspects of grain legume research across controlled environment facilities and multi‑environment field sites
• Assisting in the design and delivery of research studies and complex experiments under the guidance of senior researchers
• Developing, applying, and supporting specialised phenotyping methods for heat tolerance, including the flower‑pod conversion index
• Applying, instructing, and supporting others in the use of specialised plant science equipment and technical research processes

About You

You are a capable and motivated research professional with strong technical skills and a collaborative approach. You enjoy working hands‑on with experiments and equipment, while contributing to broader research objectives and team outcomes.

You will have:

• Completion of a degree in Science, or a Diploma with relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience
• Demonstrated practical research skills and experience using relevant methodologies and techniques in plant or agricultural science
• Experience using specialised plant science equipment, such as photosynthesis systems, flow cytometers, and phenotyping tools for complex traits
• Ability to work collaboratively within a research team, while also operating independently on routine procedures
• Strong organisational skills, with a methodical, well‑planned, and self‑motivated approach to work
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing research documentation, reports, figures, and presentations
• A commitment to safe work practices, sustainability, and compliance with legislative and University requirements

Previous experience in a similar research support role will be highly regarded.

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 Dr Millicent Smith at millicent.smith@uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns with 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 Sunday May 3 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R‑63407).