Full-time (36.25 hours per week) / fixed-term position until 31/08/2026. (The contract end date is based on current funding arrangements. Usual discussions will occur prior to this date as to the continuation of this funding).
Base salary will be in the range $83,776.44 - $93,121.40 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)
Based at our St Lucia location
The Senior Research Assistant will provide technical research support and specialist expertise within the laboratory of Professor Kirsty Short, contributing to innovative infectious disease research across all stages of the research lifecycle.
As part of a collaborative research program focused on virology and immune responses, this role supports high-quality experimental work, efficient laboratory operations, and the delivery of meaningful research outcomes.
Key responsibilities will include:
Coordinate aspects of scientific or technical research activities
Assist in the design and conduct of research studies under the supervision of senior staff
Apply advanced or specialised research techniques and support complex experiments or programs
Troubleshoot and maintain scientific equipment, facilities and laboratory infrastructure
Support safe laboratory operations, including the storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, materials and samples
Assist with research documentation (including ethics and funding applications), literature reviews and routine team administration
Prepare reports, figures, presentations and other research outputs across the research lifecycle
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 $6.40 a day)
Salary packaging options
Completion of a degree level qualification in infectious disease; or completion of a Diploma with relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
Excellent practical research skills and experience in relevant research methodology or techniques required for this body of research
Experience in Murine models essential, ideally experience with Influenza in vivo
PC3 experience would be highly regarded.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently on routine tasks
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Well-organised, methodical and self-motivated
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. 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.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Kirsty Short via k.short@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.
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 5 March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-61232). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid March.