About This Opportunity
Join a vibrant, multidisciplinary team at the BASE Facility and Mercer Lab, where you will be at the forefront of innovative research shaping the future of mRNA medicines. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts, access state‐of‐the‐art technology, and actively contribute to impactful projects that drive real‐world change in healthcare.
In this role, you will play a crucial part in developing and validating mRNA design models for integration into BASE's pioneering mRNA design software, mRNArchitect. Your work will involve experimental validation in cell culture, analysing fluorescent reporter protein expression, and employing Oxford Nanopore sequencing to assess the quality and purity of mRNA medicines produced with mRNArchitect—benchmarking your results against current industry standards.
This research not only advances product development within BASE but also establishes novel, improved quality control assays for clinical mRNA samples, setting new benchmarks in the field.
Key Responsibilities Will Include
* Perform molecular biology techniques, such as cloning, PCR, in vitro transcription, and Sanger sequencing.
* Prepare RNA and DNA libraries for both short‐ and long‐read next‐generation sequencing platforms.
* Conduct cell culture experiments, including cell culture revival and maintenance, transfection, and protein analytical methods such as reporter assays or western blot.
* Contribute to the optimisation and troubleshooting of molecular biology protocols.
* Assist with equipment maintenance and calibration, ensuring adherence to safety and quality assurance specifications.
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 implements continuous improvement.
Research And Administrative Support
* Assists with the development of research/analytical protocols.
* Contributes to manuscript preparation, including data visualisation, and documentation of experimental methods and results.
* Maintains accurate laboratory records using project management systems.
* Supports inventory management and general laboratory operations, including reagent preparation and equipment upkeep.
* Communicates effectively with colleagues and supervisors to support the timely completion of project aims.
Benefits
* 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 programme.
* On‐campus childcare options.
* Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day).
* Salary packaging options.
About You
* Completion of a relevant Bachelor and/or Master's degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, or a related field.
* Demonstrated experience in core molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, cloning, electrophoresis, sequencing) in a research, manufacturing or diagnostic setting.
* Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection‐based assays, including advanced skills with aseptic techniques.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in experimental record‐keeping.
* 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.
Desirable
* Experience with next‐generation sequencing workflows (including library preparation).
* Experience working in regulated, service, or translational research environments.
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.
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 28 April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST.
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