Senior Research Assistant - QAEHS

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Adelaide Mail Centre, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

  • Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences

  • HEW Level 6

  • Full-time, fixed-term position up to 31 December 2023

  • Closing date 19 August at 11.00pm AEST (R-15222)

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Assistant to join the dedicated research team at Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS). QAEHS is a multidisciplinary research Centre committed to world-class research across the environment 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.

As the Senior Research Assistant, you will provide specialist research and technical subject matter expertise in support of QAEHS’ research activities related to contaminants in humans and the environment, and related consultancy projects.

Key responsibilities will include: 

  • Undertaking advanced elements of research, in accordance with scientific/research discipline or methodology.

  • Applying specialist technical skills or knowledge to research activities. 

  • Under broad direction, extracting and processing samples of complex matrices for organic contaminant trace analysis.

  • Maintaining accurate records of experiments or technical activities and results/outcomes.

  • Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for routine laboratory tasks.

  • Assisting with method development and implementation of new laboratory sample extraction procedures and QA/QC protocols.

  • Contributing to research outputs, joint preparation and authorship of reports/manuscripts.

  • Ensuring compliance with approved ethics protocols.

  • Assisting with the preparation and presentation of data for client reports, and other technical documents on current research and monitoring programs.

  • Assisting with the design and delivery of human and environmental monitoring projects/programs.

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

  • Ensuring a high standard of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage and chemical/specimen/sample inventory management and the maintenance of instruments/equipment to ensure optimal performance.

  • Participating in the training and development of more junior research engineers, scientists, technicians and research students.

Located within the PACE precinct at Woolloongabba, this position includes a rotating, on-call roster for attending potential after hours’ equipment breakdown.

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

About You  

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Research Assistant to support our research activities related to contaminants in humans and the environment, and related consultancy projects. The role will provide laboratory-based technical and administrative support to research projects, as well as delivering data analysis, interpretation and report writing.

Our ideal candidate will possess:

  • Completion of a relevant degree with subsequent experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

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

  • Proficient laboratory skills, including experience of wet chemistry methodologies and relevant QA/QC, with an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail.

  • Demonstrated ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures and meet Workplace Health and Safety requirements, including preparing and adhering to risk assessments.

  • Significant experience in presenting data and writing client and/or technical reports.

  • Advanced technical capabilities and strong data analysis skills, including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

  • 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, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work with a high level of adaptability.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to communicate effectively with team members and clients by telephone, email and in person, and produce clear, succinct documentation.

  • The ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a research environment as well as demonstrated ability to work autonomously.

  • An avid interest or previous experience in the teaching and training of undergraduate/post graduate students and developing more junior research staff is desirable.

What We Can Offer 

This is a full-time (1FTE), fixed-term position at HEW Level 6. This position is available through to 31 December 2023 under current funding arrangements. 

The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range of $82,399 - $88,503 plus super of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be in the range of $96,407 - $103,549 per annum.

The following flexible employment options may be available for this role: variable start or finish times; 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? 

To discuss this role please contact Mr Gabriele Elisei (Scientific Research Team Leader, QAEHS) at [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.  

We value diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage contains further information if you require additional support. 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.



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