• Institute for Molecular Biosciences (IMB)
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months, with possibility of extension
• Base salary will be in the range $80,523.29 - $89,505.38 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)
• Based at our vibrant St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Assistant to work on vaccine development. You will support projects testing unique targets of T cell responses or antibody responses against malaria as potential vaccine candidates, by assessing immunogenicity, protective capacity and biological function in mouse models of malaria using novel vaccine platforms. You will also provide a range of technical and operational services in support of other activities and efficient operation of the laboratory. You will work with national and international experts and gain experience in malaria biology, immunology and novel vaccine technologies including mRNA and viral vector vaccine platforms..

Key responsibilities will include:

• Under broad direction, set up, monitor and conduct experiments.
• Animal handling and procedures, including injections, monitoring, organ harvesting, and euthanasia
• Conduct immunology assays (ELISA, FACS, Lumiex, Elispot etc)
• Execute molecular biology studies (cloning, RT-qPCR, etc.)
• Prepare vaccine constructs (mRNA, plasmid DNA, recombinant viral vectors)
• Prepare chemicals, reagents, and other materials
• Develop SOPs and supporting documentation and maintain relevant documents, comprehensive preparation/set-up notes and records of experiments
• Maintain and organise laboratory reagents (physical and computer databases and registers)
• Source, procure, store, retrieve and dispose of laboratory reagents, materials and samples
• Source, procure, install, and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Coordinate financial administration, including raising orders and payment of invoices in accordance with relevant University policy and procedures
• Assist with interpretation of experimental results and troubleshooting issues with experiments and equipment
• Prepare reports of a technical nature and assist with reporting progress against agreed milestones.
• Any other duties as reasonably directed by your supervisor

Research

• Under general direction, assist in the conduct of major experiments and research programs for a range of experiments and demonstrations
• ​Under broad direction, set up, monitor and demonstrate standard experiments and equipment use
• Prepare reports of a technical nature
• Animal handling and procedure, including oral gavage, injections and euthanasia
• Immunology (ELISA, FACS etc )
• Interpretation of experimental results
• Presentation of results at different levels (laboratory meetings etc.)

Safety

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

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, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
• 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

• Bachelor's degree (minimum) in science or related discipline (biomedical science, immunology, cell biology)
• Experience in mouse models of disease and animal handling
• Experience in cellular and molecular immunology, including ELISA, FACS, ELIspot
• High-level computer and database literacy skills, including the Microsoft Office suite and PRISM.
• Ability to learn new techniques (molecular biology, immunology, vaccine delivery)
• Excellent organisational skills, lab management skills, and ability to work to tight deadlines
• Self-motivated and ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines and service expectations.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a cohesive team
• High level interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and a commitment to an excellent team environment.
• Commitment to excellence and an ability to work diligently with a high level of accuracy
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation schemes, occupational health and safety
• Curiosity and creativity

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

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 Denise Doolan 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:

• 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 Sunday 22 June 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-51815). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late June.