Research Assistant - Virology

• The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

• We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Research Assistant to play a leading role in the Structural Virology group at The University of Queensland.

• To engage as a Research Assistant within research team undertaking antibody therapy discovery and development for emerging viruses. Viral targets include a range of important current and potential future human pathogens.

• Experience in the application of molecular virology techniques.

• Advanced knowledge of virology and molecular biology and experience of working in PC2 facilities.

• Based at our St Lucia Campus location

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll 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’ll 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 Research Assistant delivers a range of technical and operational support services to ensure the effective operation of research in the Structural Virology group.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Receipt, retrieval, storage and disposal of materials and samples.

• Prepare chemicals, reagents, equipment, instruments, demonstrations and any other materials.

• Troubleshooting issues with experiments and equipment.

• Establish and maintain databases and registers.

• Develop SOPs and supporting documentation.

• Maintain relevant documents, comprehensive preparation/set-up notes and records of experiments.

• Source, procure, install, maintain and repair laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

Research

• Under general direction, assist in the conduct of major experiments and research programs and/or in setting up complex or unusual equipment for a range of experiments and demonstrations.

• ​Under broad direction, set up, monitor and demonstrate standard experiments and equipment use.

• Prepare reports of a technical nature.

This is a full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months.

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 this role is covered by an Enterprise Agreement, you will also receive regular remuneration increases – at least once a year.

About You  

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Research Assistant to play a leading role in the Structural Virology group at The University of Queensland.

• Bachelor’s degree in Science or related discipline majoring in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or equivalent combination of training and previous laboratory research support experience.

• Experience in the application of molecular virology techniques.

• Advanced knowledge of virology and molecular biology.

• Experience of working in PC2 facilities.

• Technical capabilities in PCR, molecular cloning, cell-culture techniques, protein expression and purification, protein analyses and characterisation, virus production.

• Knowledge of antibody production.

• High level of record keeping and organisation in the laboratory setting.

• High-level computer and database literacy skills including the Microsoft Office suite.

• High level inter-personal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and a commitment to excellent customer service.

• Self-motivated and ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines and service expectations.

• Commitment to excellence and an ability to work diligently with a high level of accuracy

• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation schemes, occupational health and safety.

• An avid interest or previous experience in the training of undergraduate/post graduate students is desirable.

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. 

• 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.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Ariel Isaacs via [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 6 March 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number - R-34676). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid March 2024.