Senior Research Assistant in Cell Biology and Immunology

University of Queensland; Queensland; On-site; AUD 97,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

17% super

Leave loading

Health and wellbeing programs

Staff study discount

On-campus childcare

Parking

Salary packaging

Job summary

The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, invites applications for a Senior Research Assistant (full-time, fixed-term to end of 2027) based at the St Lucia Campus. The base salary is $97,268.85–$104,348.98 plus 17% super.

This role blends hands-on laboratory research with day-to-day lab operations to support outstanding scientific work. You will coordinate cell culture, cloning, confocal microscopy and RNA processing, while maintaining rigorous records and collaborating

Qualifications

• Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant bioscience field.
• Experience with standard molecular biology and cell culture techniques is essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate laboratory research activities including cell culture, cloning, confocal microscopy, RNA processing and imaging studies.
• Support design and delivery of research studies, troubleshoot equipment, and contribute to reports and presentations.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations: ordering, stocktake, equipment upkeep, reagents and databases.
• Maintain high-quality experimental records and ensure safe lab practices.

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular cloning

Confocal microscopy

RNA processing

Lab equipment troubleshooting

Record keeping

Education

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

Tools

Confocal microscope

Job description

Institute for Molecular Bioscience Full-time, fixed-term position through to end of 2027 Full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $97,268.85 - $104,348.98 + 17% super (HEW Level 5) Based at our St Lucia Campus.

About This Opportunity

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

• 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

• 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.

Other Information

• Pre-employment checks include verification of the right to work in Australia and immunisations against influenza A virus and Hepatitis B. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
• 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.
• We’re dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity.
• We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [e-mail] or calling [phone].
• Applications close Tuesday 17 November 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-70213).
• Interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday November 25th, 2026.