Research Assistant

• School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability

• Support of DNA/RNA/metabolite/hormone work for the Arabidopsis select-sequence mapping experiments and sorghum physiology or genetic work

• Work within the UQ Plant Success Laboratory

• 1 part-time position for 3 years

• Based at St Lucia Campus

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:

• 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 hybrid working options, 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

• On campus childcare options

• Cheap parking (from just $5.75 a day)

• Salary packaging options

About This Opportunity 

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture has been funded for 7 years, ending December 2028. This position will work within the UQ Plant Success Laboratory with Professors Christine Beveridge, Mark Cooper, and Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos and their research groups, though reporting to Beveridge.

The Research Assistant/Technician provides technical research support and subject matter expertise in support of DNA/RNA/metabolite/hormone work for the Arabidopsis select-sequence mapping experiments and sorghum physiology or genetic work.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Maintain and ensures compliance with laboratory operating procedures and safety standards as set by UQ and other governing bodies.

• Undertake maintenance and upkeep of laboratory facilities and equipment to ensure smooth operation.

• Apply and/or instruct others on the application of advanced or specialist technical research skills and processes, such as those related to plant hormones, DNA and RNA extractions, purification, and analysis.

• Assist in the conduct of major or complex experiments and provides advice on the operational design of research projects.

• Troubleshoot and resolves issues related to scientific and technical equipment to minimize downtime and ensure efficient research operations.

• Assist with the management of laboratory space and resources, optimizing their use for successful research endeavors.

• Contribute to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies, and protocols, ensuring the quality and integrity of research data.

• Ensure the appropriate storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals, equipment, stores, and/or samples and specimens according to safety regulations.

This is a part-time (62.76%), fixed-term position for up to 3 years.

At HEW level 5, the full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $77,396.47 - $86,029.78, plus a generous super allowance of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be up to $90,553.87 - $100,654.84 annually.  As these roles are covered by an Enterprise Agreement, you will also receive regular remuneration increases in line with the Enterprise Agreement.

About You  

The Research Assistant provides a range of technical and specialist skills and services, which support and enable research activities. This role involves lab management and molecular skills and requires:

• Possesses a Bachelor's degree in a scientific field, or a relevant Diploma with demonstrably relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a scientific field.

• Demonstrates a strong background and experience in applying various molecular biology techniques.

• Proven ability to perform RNA and DNA extraction procedures with accuracy and efficiency.

• Demonstrates competence in utilizing Chemwatch software for chemical management and adheres to all biosafety and laboratory safety protocols.

• Thrives in a collaborative research environment, but is also capable of working independently to complete routine procedures effectively.

• Possesses excellent written and oral communication skills to clearly document and present research findings. Additionally, exhibits a well-organized, methodical, and self-motivated work ethic, ensuring efficient task completion.

In addition, the following mandatory requirements apply:

• Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Christine Beveridge at [email protected] . For application queries, please contact [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 addressing the ‘About You’ section  

• Resume 

Other Information 

At UQ we know that our greatest strengths come from our diverse mix of colleagues, this is reflected in our ongoing commitment to creating an environment focused on equity, diversity and inclusion .  We ensure that we are always attracting, retaining and promoting colleagues who are representative of the diversity in the broader community, whether that be gender identity , LGBTQIA+ , cultural and/or linguistic , Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples , or people with a disability . Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to [email protected] .

If you are a current employee (including casual staff and HDR scholars) or hold an unpaid/affiliate appointment, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.

Applications close Thursday April 25th at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number - R-35801). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing May 6th.