Research Assistant

Description:

Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 12 months

Base salary will be in the range $74,534.32 - $79,026.20 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 4)

Based at our

About This Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join the team within QAAFI’s Centre of Animal Science to support research and diagnostics work within the Microbiology Research Group. This position provides an excellent opportunity to work in a collaborative and applied research environment, with long standing experience in livestock bacterial pathogen research and diagnosis. You will be a member of a small friendly research group contributing to the improved productivity of systems through minimising losses due to pest and diseases with research.

Key responsibilities will include:

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Performs laboratory tasks including media preparation, bacterial culture, DNA extraction and quality control, PCR and gel electrophoresis.

Safely operates equipment/technology, including autoclave, PCR machine, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges.

Assists senior staff with undertaking routine experiments.

Maintains the cleanliness of areas, equipment and facilities.

Participates in the routine laboratory meetings.

Safety

Contributes to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies and protocols

Applies safe storage, handling and disposal techniques to chemicals, equipment, stores and/or samples/specimens

Other:

Ensure you are aware of and comply with legislation and University policy relevant to the duties undertaken, including but not exclusive to: The ,

Requirements of the Queensland occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation and related developed by the University or Institute/School,

The adoption of sustainable practices in all work activities and compliance with associated legislation and related University , and

Requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, the National Code 2007 and associated legislation, and related developed by the University.

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 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

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

UQ Study for Staff

Salary packaging options

About You

Completion of a diploma level qualification with relevant work related experience; or Completion of a Certificate IV with relevant work experience; or Completion of a post-trades certificate and extensive relevant experience and on the job training; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

Experience in culturing and handling pathogenic bacteria.

Experience and knowledge in molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction and amplification technologies, such as PCR.

Experience using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis including SDS-PAGE.

Experience with oxford Nanopore Sequencing Technology.

Ability to work productively as a member of a team and to successfully collaborate with colleagues.

High level inter-personal and communication skills

Self-motivated and ability to prioritise workload to meet research deadlines.

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

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Lida Omaleki at . For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at , 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 , fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Wednesday 28th May 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-51874). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing 2nd June 2025.

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.

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The University of Queensland