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Senior Research Assistant, Rapid Response Vaccine Pipeline

University of Queensland
Australia
January 19, 2025
Contact:N/A
Offerd Salary:$89,861
Location:N/A
Working address:N/A
Contract Type:fixed term position
Working Time:Full time
Working type:N/A
Ref info:N/A
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  • Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

  • Full-time (100%), fixed term position through to 31 December 2025

  • Base salary will be in the range $89,861.38 - $96,402.32 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)

  • Based at our vibrant St Lucia Campus

    • About This Opportunity

    The Senior Research Assistant provides specialist assistance within an established research group developing a Rapid Response Vaccine Pipeline. This team is funded by Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to validate a subunit vaccine platform for use to an emergency outbreak response. The research to be carried out includes rational design and molecular cloning of recombinant viral fusion proteins, protein and virus expression and purification, animal immunizations, and immune response analysis by ELISA and virus neutralisation assays.

    Key responsibilities will include:

  • Plan and undertake advanced elements of research within an established research group
  • Conduct high-quality experiments under broad direction of supervisors to achieve a well-defined set of project goals, including; molecular cloning of subunit vaccines based on viral fusion proteins, protein and virus expression in mammalian cell culture, protein purification via chromatography, and the characterization of vaccine antigens using methodologies consistent with expectations of vaccine industry
  • Perform standard procedures involving laboratory mice including immunisations, blood draws and sacrifice
  • Manages the development of research/analytical protocols and assays and prepare Standard Operating Protocol documents to ensure repeatability.
  • Support in the design and molecular cloning of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and mAb discovery through B-cell sequencing and analysis of mAbs using ELISA
  • Undertake analysis of quantitative and sequence data
  • Provide training to staff and students on laboratory protocols
  • Performs standard maintenance, cleaning and validation of instruments and equipment to ensure consistent performance
  • Ensure compliance with approved ethics protocols
  • Prepare, or participate in, academic research papers
  • Adhere to Data Management Plan, including detailed recording results using an Electronic Lab Notebook to ensure compliance with expectations of contract research funders

    • Safety

  • Ensures a high standard of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage and chemical/specimen/sample inventory management
  • Assists with developing a proactive safety culture and implement continuous improvement
  • Other duties, as reasonable directed by the supervisor
    • 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
  • 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
  • UQ Study for Staff
  • On campus childcare options
  • Affordable parking (from just $5.75 a day)
  • Salary packaging options
    • About You

    You are an experienced and highly motivated Senior Research Assistant, seeking to apply your subject matter expertise and advanced knowledge of molecular biology to the Rapid Response Vaccine Team. You will have:

  • Completion of a relevant degree in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology or related field with subsequent experience in coordinating activities or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

  • 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

  • Expertise in animal handling and research involving animals

  • Significant experience of working in a collaborative team environment

  • 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
  • Relevant experience in a research assistant role, preferably in a PC2 laboratory environment
  • Well-developed problem-solving skills, with an ability to forward plan, prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and work with a high level of adaptability, both independently and as part of a team
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to produce clear, succinct documentation
  • The ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a research environment

    • 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.

    Questions?

    For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Keith Chappell – [email protected]

    For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

    Want to Apply?

    All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

  • Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You' section
  • Resume
    • 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.

    We know one of our strengths 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. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

    Applications close 19 January 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-46778). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing 27 January 2025.

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