"Senior Research Assistant"

Job Description:

• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
• Full-time, fixed-term position through till October 2028
• Base salary will be in the range $82,133- $91,295 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)
• Based at our St Lucia location

About This Opportunity

Join QAAFI as a Senior Research Assistant providing technical research support and subject matter expertise in support of an ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon project on Biomass Genetic Manipulation: Mutagenesis.

The position will be based at St Lucia, with occasional work at Gatton and possible travel to other QLD sites required.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Assist in designing research studies, screening mutant sorghum lines using sequencing and PCR, and maintaining greenhouse experiments.
• Prepare samples for biomass testing and troubleshoot scientific equipment as needed.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and samples, and contribute to the safe operation of research infrastructure.
• Support data management, literature reviews, report preparation, and general team administration.

About You

• Completion of a degree level qualification in Molecular biology, Crop science or related fields; 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 relevant research methodology or techniques required for this body of research
• Experience using laboratory record-keeping and data storage
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and work independently on routine procedures
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and well-organised, methodical and self-motivated.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia.

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 Karen Aitken at karen.aitken@uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job requisition ID 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. 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 Wednesday 29 October at 11.00pm AEST (R-56544).