• The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
• Part-time (40%) flexible work pattern, fixed-term position until 31 December 2026.
• Base salary will be in the range of $91,658.60 - $98,330.37 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
• Based at our St Lucia location

About This Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Scientific Officer to join our team in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB). You will work collaboratively with other Senior Scientific Officers to support the School's research infrastructure and contribute to a dynamic and innovative research environment.

The Senior Scientific Officer supports the School in its communal research facilities, and provides knowledge expertise in instrument operation and maintenance-related matters for a variety of equipment including AKTA systems, nanoITC, DirectDetect and Blitz instruments, as well as supporting the RT-PCR and Flow Cytometry and Tissue Culture Facilities. Some administrative duties are also performed related to the communal research facilities, with an aim to maintain safety and compliance in these laboratories.

Core Scientific

• Maintain the 4 x AKTA systems, nano ITC system, DirectDetect and Blitz and 2 x NanoDrop spectrophotometers, as well as provide training and technical support to students and research staff using this equipment.
• Maintain the Tissue Culture Facility: 2 x BSCII cabinets; 4 x CO2 incubators; benchtop centrifuge, TC water bath and inverted microscopes . Organise Preventative Maintenance services on CO2 incubators. Ensure TC-Facility users are compliant with requirements related to cleanliness and biosafety,
• Assist the RT-PCR and Flow Cytometry Manager in the RT-PCR and Flow Cytometry facilities, including dispensing reagents, and at times, assisting in support of staff and students.
• Assist in maintaining a list of all computers associated with scientific equipment and monitor OS requirements.
• Participate in supervision of communal areas, including maintenance of chemical inventories, compliance with HSW and Biosafety standards and waste management.
• Assist with training new researchers on other small communal equipment when needed.

General

• Assist in the day-to-day activities and operations of the School's communal research facilities
• Support and maintain the unit's business processes, booking system and client engagement
• Liaise with instrument engineers regarding service and repair of equipment as needs.

Safety

• Ensure a high standard of occupational health and safety standards and systems, including inductions, supervision, equipment training registers, administration of research Facilities, Inventories, reporting and investigating injuries, incidents and hazards
• Assist with developing a proactive safety culture and implement continuous improvement

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 or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
• 17% superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including flexible start/finish times.
• 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
• UQ Study for Staff
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Senior Scientific Officer to apply their subject matter expertise and advanced knowledge of Cell Biology and Protein Science to the SCMB communal research infrastructure.

• Completion of a relevant degree (B.Sc or B.Sc (Hons) in Biological sciences or Molecular Biology with subsequent laboratory experience in the operation of instrumentation for protein purification and similar, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of specialist and general research techniques including FPLC, aseptic tissue culture techniques, protein expression, protein quantification and protein interaction
• Experience in writing Standard Operating Procedures and risk assessment documentation.
• Proven capability and willingness to quickly acquire knowledge and skills and apply them in the workplace.
• Significant experience working in PC2 research laboratory settings, laboratory management experience will be an advantage. Prior training or tutoring experience regarding scientific instrument operation would be highly regarded.
• Experience with quantitative PCR and/or flow cytometry would be highly regarded.
• A proactive, hands-on approach to service provision with a commitment to excellence in customer service. Experience in scientific service provision would be highly regarded.
• Commitment to upholding the University's values, and with the outstanding personal qualities of openness, respectfulness and integrity
• An avid interest or previous experience in the teaching and training of undergraduate/post graduate students and developing more junior research staff is desirable.

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 Amanda Nouwens via [email protected].

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the 'About You' section
• Resume

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.

We know one of our strengths 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. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close May 2 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-50473). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for May 14 2025.