Research Assistant, Rapid Response Vaccine Pipeline

• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to December 2026
• Base salary will be in the range $93, $100, % Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

As part of the Chappell Group, you will provide specialist research expertise in support within an established research group developing a Rapid Response Vaccine Pipeline. Specifically you will be responsible for Receptor identification through mass-spectrometry.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Core

• Undertake advanced elements of research, including mass-spectrometry
• Plan and conduct laboratory work within an established research group and larger consortium
• Conduct high quality experiments under the guidance of experienced post-doctoral researchers to achieve a well-defined set of project goals.
• Thorough recording of results using an electronic lab book format
• Standard procedures involving laboratory mice including immunisations, blood draws and sacrifice

Safety

• Ensure a high standard of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage and chemical/specimen/sample inventory management
• Assist with developing a proactive safety culture and implement continuous improvement 

Optional

• Assist with the development of research protocols
• Contribute to research outputs, joint preparation and authorship of reports and manuscripts
• Record and document outcomes from experiments
• Assist with designing complex research studies

Leadership and management

• Support project management

Other duties, as reasonable directed by the supervisor

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 including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
• 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 $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

• Completion of a relevant degree in molecular biology, virology or biotechnology with subsequent experience in coordinating activities or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Expertise in Mass-Spectrometry
• Demonstrated research-relevant knowledge and skills with expertise in a wide range of specialist and general research techniques, including cloning, protein expression, purification, ELISA and mammalian cell culture
• Detailed knowledge of legislative requirements and operating procedures for major areas of research and scientific safety such as quarantine procedures, waste disposal, labelling and risk assessment
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, to take instructions and receive feedback in a fast paced and high pressure environment.
• Well organised with thorough attention to detail in the recording of research methods and results
• Commitment to upholding the University's values, and with the outstanding personal qualities of openness, respectfulness and integrity

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, mandatory immunisations etc. 

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.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Keith Chappell -

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at , 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

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 14 October 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for October.