Senior Research Assistant in Cell Biology and Immunology

University of Queensland; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Queensland is seeking a Senior Research Assistant to join a collaborative lab. The role combines hands-on experimental work with day-to-day lab management to enable high-quality outcomes and momentum in research projects.

The successful candidate will perform mammalian/avian cell culture, cloning, RNA processing and imaging, while maintaining records, protocols and safety practices. This position offers opportunities to deepen expertise within a well-equipped lab.

Qualifications

• Honours degree or equivalent in a related biosciences field.
• At least one year of hands-on laboratory research experience.
• Experience with cell culture and molecular cloning.
• Experience with mammalian or avian cell culture; virus culture and confocal microscopy are advantageous.
• Strong record-keeping and documentation of experiments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate lab research activities including cell culture, cloning, confocal microscopy, RNA processing and imaging.
• Support design and delivery of studies, troubleshoot equipment, and contribute to reports and figures.
• Manage day-to-day lab operations: ordering, stock, equipment, reagents and databases.
• Maintain high-quality records and work with safety and facility committees.

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular cloning

RNA processing and analysis

Transfection

Imaging (confocal microscopy)

Laboratory troubleshooting

Data reporting

Collaboration

Education

Honours degree in molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology or related discipline

Equivalent combination of relevant education, training and experience

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Virus culture

Laboratory equipment maintenance

Biological resources management

Job description

Senior Research Assistant

Join a collaborative research environment where your technical expertise will help keep discovery moving. As Senior Research Assistant, you will combine hands‑on laboratory research with responsibility for the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the lab, supporting high‑quality experimental outcomes and enabling researchers to do their best work. This is a varied, purposeful role with opportunities to build your expertise, take ownership of your time and work with excellent research facilities and equipment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinate laboratory research activities including mammalian or avian cell culture, cloning, confocal microscopy, RNA processing and analysis, transfection and imaging studies.
• Support the design and delivery of research studies, troubleshoot scientific and technical equipment, and contribute to reports, figures, presentations and other research outputs.
• Manage day‑to‑day laboratory operations including ordering, stocktake, equipment and facility upkeep, biological resources, reagents and laboratory databases.
• Maintain high‑quality experimental records, research data and standard operating protocols, while contributing to safe laboratory practices and representing the group on relevant safety, operational and facility committees.

About You:

• An Honours degree in molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology or a closely related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training and experience.
• At least one year of relevant laboratory research experience, with strong practical research skills and the ability to undertake routine procedures independently.
• Demonstrated experience in cell culture and molecular cloning.
• Experience working with mammalian or avian cell culture, with virus culture and confocal microscopy experience considered favourably.
• Experience applying specialist laboratory techniques and maintaining accurate experimental records, research data and protocols.
• Strong organisational skills, with a methodical and self‑motivated approach and the ability to manage competing laboratory and research priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with researchers and colleagues, while taking responsibility for day‑to‑day laboratory activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to share technical knowledge and support others in specialist research processes.

About UQ:

As part of the UQ community, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

Tagged as: Life Sciences