Senior Research Assistant, Rapid Response Vaccine Pipeline

Senior Research Assistant, Rapid Response Vaccine Pipeline

Locations: St Lucia Campus

Time Type: Full time

Posted On: Posted 5 Days Ago

Job Requisition ID: R-42337

Company: Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to June 2025, with the possibility of extension dependent on funding.
Base salary will be in the range $89,861.38 - $96,402.32 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6).
Based at our vibrant St Lucia Campus.

About This Opportunity

You will engage as an experienced and highly motivated Senior Research Assistant within an established research group and wider Australian consortium developing a Rapid Response Vaccine Pipeline. This team is funded by Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to validate a subunit vaccine platform and adapt its use to an emergency epidemic response. The research to be carried out includes rational design and molecular cloning of subunit vaccines based on viral fusion proteins, protein expression and purification, in vitro protein characterisation, animal immunizations and analysis of immune responses using ELISA and a pseudovirus neutralisation assay.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct high quality laboratory work within an established research group focusing on vaccine development.
• Undertakes advanced elements of research, in accordance with the scientific/research discipline of molecular biology, biotechnology and immunology.
• Thorough recording of results using an electronic lab book format.
• Standard procedures involving laboratory mice including immunisations, blood draws and sacrifice.

Safety Responsibilities

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

Optional Responsibilities

• Assists with the development of research/analytical protocols.
• Performs standard maintenance of instruments/equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Ensures compliance with approved ethics protocols.
• Contributes to research outputs, joint preparation, and authorship of reports/manuscripts.
• Records and documents outcomes from experiments.
• Assists with designing complex research studies.
• 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 microbiology, immunology, molecular biology or related field with subsequent experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated experience with the general techniques of molecular biology including cloning, protein expression, purification, ELISA and mammalian cell culture.
• Experience in animal handling and research involving animals.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Ability to take instructions and receive feedback in a fast paced and high pressure environment.
• Well organised with thorough attention to detail in the recording of research methods and results.
• Commitment to upholding the University’s values, and with the outstanding personal qualities of openness, respectfulness and integrity.
• 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.

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.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Keith Chappell – k.chappell@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 10 September 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-42337). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for September.

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.