Research Assistant Molecular Cell Biology

• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $95,361.61 - $102,302.91+ 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

In this role, you will provide expert technical support within a Cytoskeleton and cell motility laboratory, advising academic staff and researchers on appropriate methods, equipment, quality assurance, risk assessment, and waste management.

You will conduct molecular, biochemical, and imaging experiments using cell culture and models, while contributing to troubleshooting and optimizing new protocols. The position also involves training and supervising students and researchers, guiding them through testing, development projects, and equipment use.

You will maintain high standards of safety, compliance and laboratory housekeeping, including waste disposal, sample storage, and chemical inventory management, while ensuring full knowledge of methodologies and equipment. Additionally, you will assist in developing and refining testing procedures and analytical methodologies to support research outcomes.

You will also coordinate laboratory equipment requests, maintain consumable and ensure that periodic audit items and maintenance schedules are met.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Technical and scientific laboratory support
• Safety (including inductions, supervision, compliance and audit)
• Operational and Administration support

For a copy of the full position description, please contact talent@uq.edu.au

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/paid primary care leave
• 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements
• 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
• Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Completion of a relevant degree in biology with subsequent experience in coordinating facilities or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated laboratory knowledge and skills encompassing a range of laboratory equipment e.g. microscopy (live-cell), tissue culture (lentivirus production), molecular cell biology (E.Coli transformations, cloning, purification of plasmid-based DNA), immunofluorescence, immunoblotting
• Expertise in the application of molecular cell biology to understand cancer progression.
• Advanced knowledge of cell biology, cancer cell biology, cancer immunology.
• Advanced technical capabilities in stable cell line generation (CRISPR-Cas9 knockout and knock-in, shRNA, the application of fluorescent tagging technology, cell sorting/purification using flow cytometry and characterisation via immunofluorescence and immunoblot).
• Detailed knowledge of legislative requirements and operating procedures for major areas of laboratory safety such as quarantine procedures, waste disposal, labelling and risk assessment. (Animal ethics, Biosafety/OGTR)
• Relevant experience in a laboratory role, preferably in a molecular cell biology environment at a university or similar educational setting, or the capability to quickly acquire this knowledge and apply in the workplace
• Experience in the preparation of documentation for annual grant reports, grant applications and publications.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, and other role-specific requirements such as mandatory immunisations checks. 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.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact A/Prof Sam Stehbens s.stehbens@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, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. 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 2 February 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60673). Please note applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

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