• Faculty of Science / School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

• Full-time fixed-term position through to end of 2028

• Base salary will be in the range $95,361.61 - $102,302.91 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

Join a high-impact research environment where your technical expertise will directly contribute to the future of vaccine innovation. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Research Assistant to play a key role in NHMRC-funded RNA-based vaccine research. In this role, you will provide specialised technical support across cutting-edge vaccine development projects, with a strong focus on RNA-based vaccines and microarray patch delivery technologies, helping translate research excellence into real-world health outcomes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Deliver advanced technical research support across RNA and vaccine-related projects, applying specialist laboratory skills and recognised scientific methodologies to high-impact research outcomes.

• Design and conduct complex laboratory experiments, including molecular biology, protein and virus assays, advanced imaging techniques, and PC2 work with pathogenic viruses, while maintaining accurate and compliant research records.

• Undertake in vivo research activities in rodents, including vaccinations, infections, tissue collection and animal welfare monitoring, in line with ethical approvals and best-practice standards.

• Maintain a safe, high-performing laboratory environment by leading strong research housekeeping practices, troubleshooting equipment, supporting continuous safety improvement, and training new staff and students.

• Contribute to research excellence through administrative and scholarly support, including protocol development, ethics and funding documentation, literature reviews, and preparation of reports, figures, presentations and manuscripts.

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/paid primary care leave

• 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading

• Access to flexible working arrangements including flexible start/finish times and purchased leave

• 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

• Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program

• On campus childcare options

• Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)

• Salary packaging options

About You

• A relevant degree in Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related discipline, with demonstrated experience in advanced research environments or an equivalent combination of qualifications and practical expertise.

• Proven technical capability across complex research techniques, including molecular cloning, PCR, synthetic RNA and self-amplifying RNA vaccines, protein purification and analysis, PC2 virus production and handling, and in vivo rodent experimentation.

• Strong experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams to deliver complex animal studies, with advanced skills in procedures such as intracellular cytokine staining and vaccination approaches, including microarray patch delivery or the ability to rapidly develop this expertise.

• In-depth understanding of research governance, legislative and safety requirements, including animal ethics, quarantine, waste disposal, labelling, risk assessment and adherence to standard operating procedures.

• Well-developed problem-solving, planning and prioritisation skills, complemented by strong interpersonal and communication abilities, enabling effective stakeholder engagement and the production of clear, high-quality scientific documentation.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia.

This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

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 David Muller 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? 

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume

• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength 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, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact [email protected].

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.

Applications close Monday January 26th 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60151). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for later that same week.

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