Senior Research Assistant/Analyst – Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences

• Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences

• HEW Level 6

• Full-time, fixed-term position through to 30 June 2024

• Closing date Sunday 2 April 2023 at 11.00pm AEST (R-20550)

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Research Assistant/Analyst to join our dedicated research team at Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS). QAEHS is a multidisciplinary research Centre committed to world-class research across the environmental health sciences including environmental toxicology, epidemiology, microbiology, health risk assessment and communication, and state-of-the art monitoring and analytical technologies to quantify emerging environmental health risks.

Supported by a major Australian philanthropic donor, this is a unique opportunity to support QAEHS researchers in the development of a world-leading research project: The measurement of microplastics and associated additive chemicals in human brain, blood and urine.

As a Senior Research Assistant/Analyst, you will apply your subject matter expertise and advanced knowledge of analytical method development, including mass spectrometry methods, to support QAEHS researchers in developing new analytical workflows to initiate new and leading research in this field.

This position is based at our premier research precinct PACE , located in Woolloongabba.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Undertaking analytical method development and validation, in accordance with the requirement of trace organic analysis in biological matrices.

• Performing extraction and processing of samples of complex matrices (including environmental and biological samples) for the analysis of organic contaminants and/or microplastics.

• Analysing samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS and GC-HRMS) and/or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS and LC-MS/MS), including preparation of calibration standards, data integration and reporting.

• Evaluating, interpreting and presenting monitoring data for internal researchers and external clients for contract research and consultancy projects.

• Under broad direction, setting up, monitoring and demonstrating standard experiments and equipment use.

• Establishing and maintaining accurate detailed records of experiments and results/outcomes (including sample tracking and related analytical data).

• Assisting with the development of research/analytical protocols, method development, validation and implementation of new laboratory sample extraction procedures and QA/QC protocols.

• Performing standard maintenance of instruments/equipment to ensure optimal performance.

• Maintaining comprehensive preparation/set-up notes and instructions for self and others to use.

• Ensuring compliance with approved ethics protocols.

• Contributing to research outputs, joint preparation and authorship of reports/manuscripts and preparation of client reports and other technical documents on current research and monitoring programs.

• Recording and documenting outcomes from experiments.

• Assisting with the design of complex research studies.

• Working collaboratively with other team members to meet strict deadlines.

• Ensuring a high standard of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage and chemical/specimen/sample inventory management.

• Promoting a proactive safety culture and implementing continuous improvement.

• Assisting with day to day running of the research including stocktake and maintaining QA/QC documentation.

This role is subject to The University’s Code of Conduct .  

About You

Our ideal candidate will possess:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, partnered with subsequent relevant work experience in coordinating activities or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

• Relevant experience in a Research Assistant and/or Analyst role preferably in an environmental health science research environment or the capability to quickly acquire this knowledge and apply in the workplace.

• Demonstrated research-relevant knowledge and skills with expertise in a wide range of specialist and general research techniques, including proficient laboratory skills, and experience of trace level wet chemistry methodologies.

• Advanced technical capabilities in developing methods for analysis of trace organic chemicals and polymers with mass spectrometry methods.

• Expertise with relevant QA/QC including sample paper trails, blank controls, and analytical accuracy and precision examination.

• Strong data analysis skills, including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

• Detailed knowledge of legislative requirements and operating procedures for major areas of research and scientific safety such as quarantine procedures, waste disposal, labelling and risk assessment.

• Well-developed problem-solving skills, with an ability to forward plan, prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and work with a high level of adaptability, both independently and as part of a team.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to present data and write client and/or technical reports.

• The ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a research environment.

What We Can Offer 

This is a full-time (1FTE), fixed-term position through to 30 June 2024 at HEW Level 6.

The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range of $84,871 - $91,158 plus super of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be in the range of $100,262 - $106,654 per annum.

The following flexible employment options may be available for these roles: variable start or finish times; compressed hours; purchased leave; flex-time. 

For further information about UQ’s benefits, please visit Why Work at UQ and review The University of Queensland's Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018 - 2021 . 

 
Questions? 

Any questions regarding these roles can be directed to [email protected] .

For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number 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 

Please note that you will be asked to add all documents into the one upload box during the application form.

Other Information 

Mandatory Immunisations: It is a condition of employment for this role that you will be required to provide evidence of immunisation against certain vaccine preventable diseases.

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.  

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 our 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 of the University, or hold an unpaid or affiliate appointment with the University, 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.