"Senior Research Assistant, mRNA Manufacturing"

locations

Princess Alexandra Hospital - Woolloongabba

time type

Full time

posted on

Posted 11 Days Ago

job requisition id

R-60942

BASE mRNA Facility, in the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months

Base salary will be in the range $83,776.43 - $93,121.40 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)

Based at our Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba

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, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks, and other role-specific requirements such as mandatory immunisations etc. 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 Natasha Chaudhary - n.chaudhary@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.

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 1 March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60942).