• Frazer Institute
• Full-time, fixed-term position through to 31 December 2026
• Base salary will range from $74,534 - $79,026 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 4)
• Based at our Dutton Park campus
  

About This Opportunity

We are looking for a highly motivated, team-focused person who is seeking the next step in their career. This role will give you the opportunity to work in a dynamic team within the world-leading Frazer Institute, supporting both research projects and a biobanking program.

As the Laboratory Assistant, you will undertake a range of technical, operational and administrative tasks which directly supports the effective operation of the Surgical Oncology Group. This group runs a biobanking program which prospectively collects melanoma and oesophago-gastric tumour tissues and blood from patients undergoing surgery or endoscopy. The successful applicant will maintain the biobanking program and will be responsible for extracting DNA/RNA from limited, finite tissue. This position also involves other experimental work, including cell culture, to pursue the groups research goals and interests.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Maintain the multi-centred biobanking program, including patient identification, consenting, specimen (tissue/blood) collection and processing, lab collection logs and databases.
• Extraction of high-quality DNA and RNA for ongoing next generation sequencing projects.
• Maintain histological slides and blocks that form the biobank collection.
• Collect relevant clinical data for the Melanoma and Upper Gastro-Intestinal (UGI) databases and attend weekly multi-disciplinary team meetings for these clinics.
• Assist with general lab management and equipment maintenance including stock control, compliance and safe work practice.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and laboratory manuals.

About You

• BSc in Biology, Molecular Biology or other related health field.
• Experience in biobanking including tumour and blood processing.
• Technical capabilities in DNA/RNA extraction, including quantification methods.
• Cell culture experience would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills, with meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and rigorousness in day-to-day laboratory tasks and procedures.
• Ability to work as an effective member of a multi-disciplinary team with highly developed interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Highly developed computer literacy skills, including knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgement, meet deadlines and follow tasks through to completion.

Please note, 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). The successful candidate will also be required to complete mandatory immunisations (as they apply to this role).

About UQ

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
• 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
• Salary packaging options

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Lauren Aoude at [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:

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

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 Sunday 15 June at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number: R-51552). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Friday 20 June.