Senior Research Assistant - Critical Care Research Group

• Greater Brisbane Clinical School – University of Queensland

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to December 2025 with possibility of extension

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

• Based at our The Prince Charles Hospital

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Research Assistant to provide technical support for the Critical Care Research Group (CCRG) based at The Prince Charles Hospital. The successful applicant will contribute to multiple research projects and play a central role in the administration and organisation of the group.

CCRG is a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of clinicians, scientists, engineers, nurses and allied health professionals dedicated to understanding the mechanisms of critical illness. The group has developed pre-clinical (ovine) models for mechanistic studies to advance understanding of critical illness and patient care.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Set up, monitor, and conduct experiments under senior staff direction; assist post-doctoral researchers and postgraduate students with their experiments, maintain comprehensive records, and troubleshoot experimental and equipment issues.

• Assist with labelling, set-up, and processing of large animal model biological samples and perform specialised myocardial contractility experiments (out of business hours, when required)

• Assist with blood bag collection, processing, and cross-matching for pre-clinical experimental animals

• Conduct molecular biology studies (RNA extraction, RT-qPCR) and immunology assays (ELISA, FACS, Luminex); develop SOPs and supporting documentation.

• Manage inventory, order, store, and dispose of laboratory reagents, materials, and samples; assist with human and animal ethics applications and manuscript preparation

• Contribute to regular team meetings

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:

• 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

• Salary packaging options

About You

• Completion of a relevant degree (Honours/Masters/Higher degree would be well regarded) in molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, cell biology or related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training

• Practical experience with molecular biology, ELISA assays, flow cytometry

• High-level computer and database literacy skills, including the Microsoft Office suite and PRISM

• Ability to quickly acquire new laboratory techniques and perform them with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency

• 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.

• Sound knowledge of OH&S guidelines and laboratory safety

• Availability to perform sampling and post-mortem dissection and occasional experiments out of business hours

• The ability to plan, execute and interpret research in a semi-independent manner 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 successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, mandatory immunisations. 

Work Rights: 

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Jacky Suen [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 Thursday 7 November at 11.00pm AEST (R-44508).