Senior Research Assistant, mRNA therapies

Senior Research Assistant, mRNA therapies

Locations: St Lucia Campus

Time Type: Full time

Posted On: Posted 3 Days Ago

Job Requisition ID: R-44184

Company: Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

Position Type: Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years

Salary: Base salary will be in the range $89,861.38 - $96,402.32 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)

Location: Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

The Cheetham Group’s research program focuses on next generation RNA vaccines and therapeutics. In this role, you will provide specialist research/technical subject matter expertise in support of high quality research outcomes at all stages of the research life-cycle. You will have responsibilities for conducting semi-independent research in mRNA therapies and for general lab upkeep.

Key Responsibilities

Core

• Undertake research, in the field of mRNA sciences.
• Apply specialist technical skills or knowledge to research activities.
• Under broad direction, set up, monitor and demonstrate standard experiments and equipment use.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments or technical activities and results/outcomes.

Safety

• Ensure a high standard of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage and chemical/specimen/sample inventory management.
• Assist with developing a proactive safety culture and implement continuous improvement.

Optional

• Assist with the development of research/analytical protocols.
• Perform standard maintenance of instruments/equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Maintain comprehensive preparation/set-up notes and instructions for self and others to use.
• Ensure compliance with approved ethics protocols.
• Contribute to research outputs, joint preparation and authorship of reports/manuscripts.
• Record and document outcomes from experiments.
• Assist with designing complex research studies.

Leadership and Management

• Support and/or lead the development of more junior research engineers, scientists, and technicians.
• Other duties, as reasonable directed by the supervisor.

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.
• 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.
• UQ Study for Staff.
• On campus childcare options.
• Cheap parking (from just $5.75 a day).
• Salary packaging options.

About You

Completion of a relevant degree in Molecular Biology/Genetics with subsequent experience in coordinating activities or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

Demonstrated research-relevant knowledge and skills with expertise in a wide range of specialist and general research techniques, including molecular cloning, tissue culture and RNA biology.

Experience with animal handling and procedures is highly desirable.

Significant experience of working in a high-performing research group.

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 produce clear, succinct documentation.

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

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check etc.

Work Rights:

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Seth Cheetham – s.cheetham@uq.edu.au

For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au 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 summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.
• Resume.

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.

We know one of our strengths 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. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close: 28 October 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-44184). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for early November.

Acknowledgment of Country:

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.

Why Choose UQ?

At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide.

Career Development and Support:

UQ is dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of our students and staff. Our comprehensive career services provide personalized guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals. Whether you are a student seeking internships and job placements or a staff member looking for career advancement, UQ is here to support you every step of the way.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aims to ensure that everyone at UQ feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability.

Join the UQ Community:

Whether you are a recent graduate, an Academic, or an experienced professional, UQ offers a wide range of opportunities to help you grow and succeed. Explore our current job openings, discover our programs, and become part of a community that is dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful impact for the communities in which we live and work.