About This Opportunity

You will provide technical research support and subject matter expertise in support of mRNA manufacturing. You will perform analytical methods to assess the quality and characteristics of mRNA products throughout the manufacturing process. This role plays a crucial part in supporting mRNA manufacturing processes and ensuring the production of high-quality mRNA products in our cutting-edge manufacturing facility.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinate aspects of mRNA products manufacturing, including template synthesis, purification, IVT processes and formulation.
• Validate and execute analytical assays for the characterisation of mRNA quality attributes, including assays for purity, integrity, and stability.
• Assist in the design of optimisation studies, under supervision of senior staff to improve manufacturing processes for efficiency, yield, and quality.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, procedures, and results. Generate and follow Standard Operating Procedures with a high attention to detail.
• Troubleshoot issues with manufacturing process/technical equipment, proposing and implementing solutions to ensure smooth operations under the guidance of supervisor.
• Undertake maintenance and upkeep of facilities and equipment.

Safety

• Contribute to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies and protocols
• Ensure the appropriate storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, equipment, stores and/or samples/specimens

Research and administrative support

• Assist with ordering research consumables
• Undertake literature searches and reviews
• Assist with routine team administration
• Assist with preparing reports, graphs, figures and presentations on research outcomes at different stages of the research cycle outcomes

About BASE

The BASE mRNA facility is a state-of-the-art not-for-profit NCRIS facility located at Translational Research Institute (TRI and AIBN). We offer end-to-end services, including the design, manufacture and LNP formulation of mRNA. We have experience making hundreds of mRNA vaccines and therapies. Our mission is to enable and support research across Australia, by providing high-quality mRNA for translational use in discovery, development and pre-clinical work.

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
• Access to flexible working arrangements
• 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
• On campus childcare options
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Completion of a Master’s degree level qualification in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Pharmaceutical or completion of a Diploma with relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Excellent practical research skills and experience in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, primer design, nucleic acid extraction and purification, in-vitro transcription (IVT)
• Experience using analytical techniques, including U.V spectroscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, capillary GE and HPLC
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• Ability to work independently on routine procedures
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Well-organised, methodical and self-motivated
• Previous experience in mRNA manufacturing in an industry setting would be considered favourably

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks... 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.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals... To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section