Research Assistant (Molecular Biologist)

• Institute for Molecular Bioscience

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months

• Base salary will be in the range $80,523.29 - $89,505.38 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

An exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant in the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) to focus on developing peptide molecules for applications in medicine, funded by a major pharmaceutical company. Seeking an outcome driven scientist who wants to generate real impact.

Experience in molecular biology and the characterisation and analysis of peptides is important. The appointee will work on projects funded by an industrial partner.  

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Perform molecular biology experiments (e.g., cloning, PCR, display libraries), protein expression and purification, and independently undertake routine peptide quality and integrity analyses

• Work under the supervision of senior staff to conduct experiments, assist in research study design, and support affinity evaluations and functional assays

• Apply and/or instruct others in advanced technical skills such as protein purification, and troubleshoot scientific and technical equipment issues

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of experiments, monitor outcomes under supervision, and present findings in group meetings

• Provide general laboratory support including ordering and maintaining consumables, and actively participate in research group meetings, seminars, webinars, and symposia

• Contribute to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment and protocols, ensuring proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals, equipment, and/or samples/specimens

• Conduct literature reviews, assist with team administration, support the preparation of reports, figures, and presentations throughout the research cycle, contribute to manuscript coordination, and provide assistance with risk assessments and experimental procedures

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:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

• 17% superannuation contributions

• 17.5% annual leave loading

• 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 $6.15 a day)

• Salary packaging options

About You

• Completion of a degree level qualification in molecular biology or completion of a Diploma with relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training

• Experience with molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques, including cloning, PCR, protein expression and purification. Experience with recombinant display libraries would be considered favourably

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues as well as independently on routine procedures

• Ability to meet project deadlines and is outcome-driven

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Previous experience in a similar role would be considered favourably

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia.

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.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Conan Wang c.wang@imb.uq.edu.au . For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au , stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 
 

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume

• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength 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. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au .

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.

Applications close Wednesday 16 July 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-52990). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing Monday 21 July.