Research Assistant

Research Assistant - Human Studies UnitApply locations St Lucia Campus time type Full time posted on Posted 21 Days Ago job requisition id R-45992
Institute for Molecular Bioscience
2 Full-time (100%), fixed-term positions available, through to 31 December 2025
Base salary will be in the range $78,944.40 - $87,750.37 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)
Based at our St Lucia Campus
About This OpportunityWork within the Human Studies Unit, providing research support services in the management of biological samples and generation of system genomics data.
The Research Assistant provides technical research support and subject matter expertise in support of high-quality research outcomes at all stages of the research life-cycle.
Key responsibilities will include:
Sample Management: Receipt, processing, and storage of various human biological samples (e.g., blood, saliva, hair, urine, faeces) within strict timeframes, including handling and documentation in accordance with NHMRC guidelines.
Laboratory Techniques: Isolation of PBMCs, assistance in cell culture experiments, preparation of DNA/RNA for genomics, and processing samples for metabolomics assays.
Data Management: Management of sample data, including receipt, tracking, and usage using custom database platforms, and maintaining research notes, data files, reports, and laboratory books.
Project-Specific Tasks: Execution of project-specific tasks such as sample collation, high throughput genotyping, and providing specialised technical services in functional genomics (e.g., whole genome methylation, RNAseq, whole genome sequencing).
Laboratory Maintenance: Troubleshoot scientific/technical equipment issues, laboratory housekeeping (stock control, solution preparation, low-temperature storage management, waste management), and ensuring research ethics compliance.
Laboratory Safety and Efficiency: Contribute to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment and protocols, ensuring proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals and samples, and monitoring and documenting laboratory safety, risk management, and biosafety.
Research and Administrative Support: Assist with drafting research documentation (such as ethics and funding applications), conducting literature searches and reviews, handling routine team administration, and preparing reports, graphs, figures, and presentations on research outcomes throughout the research cycle.
This role may require work to be undertaken outside of standard business operating hours to accommodate experimental workflows and to manage time-sensitive handling of biological samples. The Human Studies UnitThe Human Studies Unit (HSU) supports human research projects with a focus on systems genomics.
It is based at the Institute for Molecular Biosciences and is integrated into the Centre for Genetics and Genomics led by Centre Director Professor Grant Montgomery.
The HSU was established in 2015 to provide dedicated and specialised infrastructure to address the growing need to support human research studies using genomics.
HSU provides specialised research support in:
Research governance and ethics for any human research but particularly recognising the complexities of genetic data.
Online, secure, data collection.
Databasing and real-time reporting.
Collection and processing of any human biological samples (at scale).
Generation of genetic and genomic data (at scale, in-house or by 3rd parties).
Cell culture and perturbation studies.
The HSU supports research programs across a range of research themes including but not limited to Neurodegenerative Disorders, Endometriosis, Cardiovascular Disease, paediatric mental health and Psychiatric Genomics.
These programs investigate the pattern of disease in individuals and families, to assess the relative importance of genes and environment in a variety of conditions.
The HSU provides collaborative research support to projects at IMB, UQ and nationally in the receipt of biological samples and generation of genomic information.
About UQAs 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.
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 $5.75 a day).
Salary packaging options.
About YouCompletion of a degree level qualification in Biological Science or related discipline; or equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
Excellent practical research skills and experience in relevant research methodology or techniques required for this body of research.
Demonstrated ability to follow protocols and instructions to perform work within a laboratory environment.
Ability to learn new procedures and techniques and apply these new skills to complete projects.
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
Ability to work independently on routine procedures.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Well-organised, methodical and self-motivated.
Previous experience in a similar role would be considered favourably.
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.
Questions?For more information about this opportunity, please contact Leanne Wallace at ******.
For application queries, please contact ****** 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 InformationUQ 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 ****** for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close Thursday 2 January at 11.00pm AEST (R-45992).
Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing Monday 20 January 2025.
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