About This Opportunity
We are seeking a skilled Senior Research Assistant (Research Scientist) with expertise in mRNA manufacture to join our BASE Product Development team at The University of Queensland. In this role you will provide technical subject matter expertise in support of product and process development activities in the space of mRNA manufacture, quality control assays and scale-up processes.
Key responsibilities will include:
-
Technical Expertise: Apply specialist technical skills or knowledge to research activities and assist with process development and scale-up, including designing experiments, analyzing results, and interpreting data.
-
Experimentation: Set up, monitor, and demonstrate standard experiments and equipment use under broad direction. Adjust equipment to general specifications.
-
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of experiments, technical activities, and outcomes. Document all experiments conducted and assist with other documentation, including writing SOPs and creating new worksheets as required.
-
Collaboration: Work closely with other BASE departments to ensure optimal performance and address cross-functional issues.
-
Continuous Improvement: Propose enhancements and process improvements to optimize quality.
-
Safety and Compliance: Ensure a high standard of research and uphold a safe working environment by adhering to safety protocols. Monitor compliance with University laboratory requirements, support laboratory audit processes, and ensure safe design principles are applied to laboratory activities.
-
Occupational Health and Safety: Maintain high standards of occupational health and safety, including risk analysis/mitigation, inductions, supervision, equipment training registers, administration of Laboratory/Facility Inventories, and reporting and investigating injuries, incidents, and hazards.
-
Leadership and Management: Support the development of more junior scientists and students.
-
Preparation and Documentation: Maintain comprehensive preparation/set-up notes and instructions for self and others to use. Record and document outcomes from experiments.
-
Research Design: Assist with designing complex research studies.
-
Other Duties: Perform other duties as reasonably 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
- Affordable parking (from just $5.75 a day)
- Salary packaging options
About You
- Completion of a relevant degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field with subsequent experience in coordinating activities or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
- Demonstrated relevant knowledge and skills with expertise in a wide range of techniques including cell culture, tissue culture, PCR, IVT and RNA biology
- Well-developed problem-solving skills, with an ability to forward plan, prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and work with a high level of adaptability, both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to produce clear, succinct documentation.
- Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
- Detail oriented with a commitment to accuracy and precision.
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.
Work Rights:
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Sneha Lakshman Das - s.lakshmandas@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 27 November 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-45102). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for early December.