Senior Research Assistant

• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

• HEW 5

• Part time (80% FTE), fixed term position for up to 1 year

• Applications Close: Sunday 25th September 2022, 11:00 PM AEST

• UQ Careers Ref: R-15091

About this Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Research Assistant to join our research team focused on the development and bioengineering of innovative protein-based therapeutics and diagnostic reagents.

The research to be carried out involves rational design and molecular cloning of gene constructs, protein bioengineering and production in different platforms (primarily mammalian cells) and protein analytics and bioassay development.

As the Senior Research Assistant, you will have an active role in the designing and performing of experiments, optimisation of techniques, analysis of data, critical discussion, and presentation of the data.  You will have expertise in molecular biology, protein bioengineering, protein production, purification, protein analytics and bioassay design and development.

Responsibilities:

Core

• Coordinates research activities in molecular biology (gene design and construction), protein production, purification, and analytics.

• Assists in the design of research studies, under supervision of senior staff

• Applies and/or instructs others on the application of advanced or specialist or technical research skills or processes, including supervision of RHD and undergraduate students.

• Assists in the conduct of major or complex experiments, tasks or programs related to protein-based therapeutics/diagnostics

• Troubleshoots issues with scientific/technical equipment

• Undertakes maintenance and upkeep of facilities and equipment

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

Research and administrative support

• Assists with drafting research documentation, including ethics and funding applications as well as research papers.

• Undertakes literature searches and reviews

• Assists with routine team administration

• Assists with preparing reports, graphs, figures, and presentations on research outcomes at different stages of the research cycle outcomes

Any other duties as reasonably directed by your supervisor.

Other

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

• The University’s Code of Conduct .

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

• The adoption of sustainable practices in all work activities and compliance with associated legislation and related University sustainability responsibilities and procedures .

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

About You

Selection Criteria

• Completion of a degree level qualification in molecular biology, biochemistry or biotechnology or completion of a Diploma with relevant work experience; or an 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

• Experience in molecular biology including the design and cloning of gene constructs for expression in different systems

• Experience in protein bioengineering, protein production in CHO cells and other systems

• Experience in protein purification including experience with AKTA platforms

• Experience in protein analytics and target binding bioassays including ELISA and Octet

• 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.​

Desirable

Experience in the design and preparation of gene constructs, production of proteins in different platforms specifically mammalian cells such as CHO and HEK, protein purification using AKTA platforms, protein analytics and bioassay development such as PAGE, ELISA, and Octet.

What We Can Offer  

This is a Part-time, 80% FTE Fixed-term position for up to 1 year at HEW 5.  

The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $72,212 – $80,430 plus super of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be in the range $84,488 – $94,103 per annum.  

For further information about UQ’s benefits, please visit Why Work at UQ  and review The University of Queensland’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018-2021 .  

Questions?  

To discuss this role please contact Dr Christopher Howard, Research Fellow on email: c.howard2@uq.edu.au .

For application queries, please contact recruitment@uq.edu.au  stating the job reference number in the subject line.  

Want to Apply?  

All applicants must supply the following documents: 

• Cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria  

• Resume  

To satisfy pre-requisite questions and ensure your application can be considered in full, all candidates must apply via the UQ Careers portal by the job closing deadline. Applications received via other channels, including direct email, will not be accepted.  

About The Selection Process 

The University of Queensland is committed to ensuring all candidates are provided with the opportunity to attend the panel interviews, however, for those candidates who are unable to attend in person, video interview options will be available.     

Other Information  

Mandatory Immunisations: It is a condition of employment for this role that you will be required to provide evidence of immunisation against certain vaccine preventable diseases.   

Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

We value diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage  contains further information if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to recruitment@uq.edu.au .