Research Assistant - Natural Product Chemistry

• Institute for Molecular Bioscience

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

• Base salary will be in the range $80,523.29 - $89,505.38 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join the Capon Research Group, at the University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience. Within this position you will expand your expertise in organic chemistry and natural product chemistry, while providing research and administrative support for various chemistry research projects.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Prepare organic extracts from various substrates (abalones, toad, microbes).

• Fractionate crude extracts using chromatographic techniques (SPE, Sephadex column, HPLC) for bioassay-guided isolation of active components.

• Develop purification methods using preparative and semi-preparative HPLC to obtain pure compounds from active extracts.

• Assist in chemical characterisation using LCMS and UPLC-QTOF, and data analysis using the GNPS molecular networking platform.

• Contribute to the safe and efficient operations of the Capon research group, including equipment, infrastructure, methodologies, and protocols.

• Document laboratory and administrative activities, prepare presentations and reports, manage consumable inventory, and provide general office support.

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

• 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

• Document laboratory and administrative activities, prepare presentations and reports, manage consumable inventory, and provide general office support.

• Document laboratory and administrative activities, prepare presentations and reports, manage consumable inventory, and provide general office support.

• Excellent practical skills and experience in purification of natural products using various chromatographic techniques (e.g. column chromatography, HPLC).

• Experience using specialist databases (e.g., Scifinder).

• Ability to follow instructions, work collaboratively, and independently on routine procedures, seeking advice when needed.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, 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 Angela Salim a.salim@imb.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. 
 

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 talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Sunday 27 April 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-49211).