Research Assistant - Vaccine Development

• Institute for Molecular Bioscience

• Three full-time (100%), fixed-term positions for up to 12 months

• Base salary will be in the range $74,534.32 - $79,026.20 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 4)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

The successful applicants will contribute to research projects and will play a central role in the administration and organisation of the Walker research group to facilitate day-to-day research activities.

The projects encompass (1) cloning and purification of recombinant forms of the antigens, undertaking and developing biochemical assays for vaccine development. Characterisation experiments will include ELISA and biochemical assays, (2) assisting in vaccine efficacy studies and undertaking tasks involved in vaccine development (3) assist in conducting studies in preclinical animal models of Group A Streptococcus (4) assist in the assessment of serological response to vaccines using Luminex assays and other associated immunological studies. Support vaccine assessment including animal studies.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Conduct research, collaborate with colleagues and students, and assist in their research projects.

• Manage laboratory supplies, prepare samples and reagents, and perform basic microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology techniques for manipulation of DNA.

• Assist with mouse handling infection procedures and monitor laboratory animals out of business hours when required.

• Provide induction and basic training for new staff and students, and assist in the formulation of ethics applications and report preparation.

• Perform general lab management and any other duties as directed by your supervisor.

• Contribute to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies and protocols

• Apply safe storage, handling and disposal techniques to 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

• 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

• Minimum diploma level qualification majoring in biochemistry, or molecular biology, or an equivalent combination of experience and education/training.

• Experience with microbiology, immunology or molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.

• Experience with protein expression and purification, Luminex assays, microbiology, immunology studies.

• Experience with bacterial culture and aseptic technique.

• Willingness to assist with laboratory animal handling and procedures.

• Ability to quickly acquire new laboratory techniques and to perform them routinely at a high level of accuracy and efficiency.

• Sound knowledge of OH&S guidelines and laboratory safety.

• Availability to check on laboratory animals on occasions out of business hours.

• Ability to work as a member of a team.

• The ability to plan, execute and interpret research in a semi-independent manner.

• High level of inter-personal and communication skills.

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

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 Professor Mark Walker mark.walker@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 Monday 28 April at 11.00pm AEST (R-50230). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing Monday 5 May.