Senior Research Assistant - Human Studies Unit

Description:

• Institute for Molecular Bioscience

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to December 2026

• Base salary will be in the range $91,658.60 - $98,330.37 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

The Senior Research Assistant position within the Human Studies Unit will support research across mental health, neurodegenerative disease, women’s health and clinical trials. The projects supported by the Human Studies Unit utilise genomic and ‘omic’ technologies to advance our long-term goal of personalised medicine. Specifically, we generate and analyse genetic data from a range of biological samples that are receipted, processed and stored as part of the HSU accredited biorepository. The HSU is currently involved in the profiling of transcriptional responses in human cell lines to compound exposure. Gaining an understanding of action of anti-depressants and the biological and genetic mechanisms that link to the differences between people in their responses to anti-depressants, which will facilitate new drug development, as well as the ability to tailor treatments to each individual.

This work will be undertaken in the Human Studies Unit associated with the Centre for Population and Disease Genomics, as part of the Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Key responsibilities will include:

• Develop, test, and validate laboratory protocols for complex cell-based experiments as outlined by principal investigators and researchers.

• Develop, test, and validate cell-based assays for drug perturbation studies and transformation of primary cells to lymphoblastic cell lines.

• Establish and maintain primary human cell lines for functional assays.

• Undertake specialised analytical techniques in functional genomics, including gene-expression analysis (RNAseq) and whole genome sequencing.

• Undertake high-throughput genome-wide genotyping of human samples using bead array technology and capillary-based fragment analysis.

• Contribute to experimental design, quality control and data generation, data analysis and interpretation, and assist in maintaining biological sample collections for replication and downstream validation.

• Provide essential bioinformatics support including primer design, variant calling, sequence alignment, and use of publicly available databases, while ensuring human ethics compliance in handling donated biological samples.

• Assist and supervise HSU laboratory staff and students, introduce new technologies, maintain comprehensive research notes, and contribute to laboratory safety, risk management, and biosafety, while supporting the HSU Facility Manager in project and laboratory management.

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:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

• 17% superannuation contributions

• 17.5% annual leave loading

• 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

• Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)

• Salary packaging options

• Undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences with subsequent molecular biology laboratory or other relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or training/education.

• Expertise in a wide range of specialist and general research techniques, including cell-based assays and human cell line management.

• Experience in system and functional genomics methodologies, including whole genome DNA SNP typing, methylation, sequencing, and expression analysis.

• Proficiency in cellular and functional biology, as well as molecular biology.

• Ability to perform routine bioinformatics analyses and develop new laboratory techniques.

• Knowledge of legislative requirements and research/scientific safety procedures, such as quarantine, waste disposal, labelling, and risk assessment.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload, exercise initiative, and work in a dynamic environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with stakeholders and experience in preparing research analysis reports.

• Well-developed problem-solving skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise tasks, and work both independently and as part of a team.

• Ensuring all work adheres to Laboratory Safety Guidelines and is performed to the highest standard.

• Experience or interest in training and mentoring junior staff.

• High-level computer skills, including spreadsheets, word processing, laboratory management software, and instrument packages.

• Ability to conduct analyses using programming languages such as R, bash, and Python is highly desirable.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, mandatory immunisations.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Leanne Wallace l.wallace@imb.uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

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

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 Sunday 11 May at 11.00pm AEST (R-50286). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing Monday 19 May.