Poultry Laboratory Research Officer

Description:

• Centre for Animal Science

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months

• Base salary will be in the range $80,523.29 - $89,505.38 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join the team within QAAFI to support cutting-edge poultry research. This position provides an excellent opportunity to work in a collaborative and applied research environment, contributing to improved sustainability and productivity in the Australian poultry industry. You will support the delivery of research projects focused on poultry nutrition, egg production, gut health, feed efficiency, welfare and sustainability by assisting in animal trials, laboratory work, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Key responsibilities will include:

Research and Technical Support

• Assist with the planning and execution of poultry feeding trials, including animal care, feed preparation, and sample collection.

• Perform laboratory work including in vitro studies relevant to gut digestion and fermentation.

• Assist in sample preparation and analytical procedures including nutrient analysis, blood biochemistry and physiology, gut health and microbiota, egg quality assessment, and gene expression (q-PCR/transcriptomics)’

• Collect and manage experimental data, maintain research records, and contribute to data analysis and interpretation.

• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, research publications, presentations, and HDR student lab support and training.

Safety

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

• Ensures the appropriate storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, equipment, stores and/or samples/specimens

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

• Access to flexible working arrangements including flexible start/finish times

• 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

• Salary packaging options

• Completion of a degree level qualification in animal science, veterinary science, biology, biochemistry/biotechnology, molecular biosciences, or a related field; or completion of a Diploma with relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training

• Demonstrated comprehensive laboratory skills.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in handling animals (including lab rodents) and willingness to work with farm animals (e.g., chickens and pigs)

• Knowledge on statistical analysis and data interpretation

• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and work both independently and collaboratively.

• Attention to detail and demonstrated ability to accurately record and report data.

• Understanding of animal ethics, welfare regulations, and WHS requirements.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a willingness to learn and take initiative.

Desirable

• Hold a Master's degree or higher in animal science, veterinary science, biology, biochemistry/biotechnology, molecular biosciences, or a related field is desirable, as is prior experience working with poultry or pigs in a research or industry setting is highly desirable

• Experience in data analysis including omics procedures (e.g., proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics and microbiome), experience in food science particularly on egg or meat quality assessments.

• Understanding of poultry nutritional trials, management, and welfare standards

• Prior experience in supervising HDR students will also be valued.

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

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Eugeni Roura e.roura@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 1st June 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-51402). 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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