Research Assistant

UNSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 92,000 - 104,000; Part time

Job summary

UNSW's School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences is seeking a part-time Research Assistant (14 hours per week) for a fixed-term 6-month appointment. The role provides technical and administrative support to the research team, including laboratory tasks such as media preparation, culturing, and PCR, and data management in lab databases.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor of Science and demonstrate knowledge of microbiology and genomics, with strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrated microbiology and genomics knowledge and experience.
• Experience supporting a research project and following research protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare import permit applications and biosecurity applications; compile annual and progress reports.
• Collect and enter data; maintain Ferrari lab databases and biological registers; identify discrepancies.
• Provide administrative support for ARC grant and Ferrari lab meetings.
• Provide technical support for bacterial cultivation; media preparation, culturing and PCR.
• Respond to routine research inquiries and assist with project tasks as needed.

Skills

Microbiology knowledge

Genomics knowledge

Attention to detail

Analytical abilities

Teamwork

Independent work

Communication skills

Judgement

Education

Bachelor of Science

Tools

PCR

Job description

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

This Job is based in Australia

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Science (BABS) teaches undergraduates, mentors postgraduate research students and conducts research in the disciplines of biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology and immunology.

The Research Assistant in the School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences at the University of New South Wales provides technical and research assistance to the research team.

About The Role

• $92K - $104K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 6 months
• Part time (14 hours per week)

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Liaise with stakeholders in the preparation of import permit applications/amendments, biosecurity applications, annual and progress reports.
• Perform data collection and entry and maintain research databases, specifically for the Ferrari lab database and the biological registers, exercising strong attention to detail and following up discrepancies as required.
• Provide general administrative support including organisation of and attendance at ARC grant and Ferrari lab meetings.
• Provide technical support for the cultivation of bacteria in the laboratory, requiring media preparation, culturing and PCR.
• Respond to routine enquiries relating to research.
• Undertake other unsupervised research support tasks consistent with established methodologies as needed by the project/s.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself or others.

About The Successful Applicant

(Selection Criteria)

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have

• A Bachelor of Science, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with microbiology and genomics.
• Prior experience supporting a research project and demonstrated knowledge of research protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and analytical abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound judgements.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Contact

Belinda Ferrari

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: October 28th, 2026

Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds.

UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage.

We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns.

Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).