BASE Facility, based in the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN); Full-time (100%); fixed-term position for up to 12 months; Base salary will be in the range $85,452 - $94,984 + 17% super (HEW Level 5); Based at our Translational Research Institute location.
About This Chance
Join UQ's BASE facility and contribute to a purposeful, collaborative research environment supporting the manufacture of mRNA medicines.
In this role, you will provide technical research support and subject matter expertise across mRNA-LNP manufacturing, helping deliver high-quality products for translational research in a cutting-edge facility that connects discovery, process optimisation and real-world therapeutic potential.
Key responsibilities
Coordinate mRNA product manufacturing activities, including template synthesis, purification, in-vitro transcription processes and formulation.
Validate and execute analytical assays to characterise mRNA quality attributes, including purity, integrity and stability.
Support optimisation studies under the guidance of senior staff to improve manufacturing efficiency, yield and quality.
Maintain accurate records, follow Standard Operating Procedures, troubleshoot technical issues and support the safe upkeep of facilities and equipment.
About You
Completion of a master's degree level qualification in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences, completion of a Diploma with relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education or training.
Demonstrated practical research skills and experience in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, primer design, nucleic acid extraction and purification, and in-vitro transcription.
Experience using analytical techniques such as UV spectroscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, capillary gel electrophoresis and HPLC.
Strong attention to detail, with the ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures and maintain accurate experimental records.
Ability to work independently on routine procedures while contributing positively to a connected and collaborative team.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to support reports, graphs, figures and presentations on research outcomes.
Well-organised, methodical and self-motivated, with a commitment to protected, high-quality laboratory practice.
Previous experience in mRNA manufacturing in an academic, biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting would be considered favourably.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community,



you'll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.
UQ's BASE facility and biotechnology company Vaxxas were announced as stage winners of a prestigious global prize to accelerate a patch-based mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, reflecting the University's role in advancing innovative mRNA technologies with translational impact.
Read more about UQ and Vaxxas advancing patch-based mRNA vaccine innovation.
Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave
17% super
17.5% leave loading
Flexible working options
Health and wellbeing programs
A heavily discounted Study for Staff program
On-campus childcare
Affordable parking
Salary packaging
Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, 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.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity.
We're also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process.
We're particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability.
UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds.
Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aims to ensure that everyone at UQ feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Whether you are a recent graduate, an Academic,



or an experienced professional, UQ offers a wide range of opportunities to help you grow and succeed.
Explore our current job openings, discover our programs, and become part of a community that is dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful impact for the communities in which we live and work.
Applications close 27 August **** at *****pm AEST (R-*****).
Please note applications will be reviewed as received.
Candidates may be contacted for interview prior to the job closing date.
We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The University of Queensland reserves the right to close this application process early.
The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated.
We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.
At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia's leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide.
As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities, UQ is widely recognised for its intensive focus on research and teaching excellence – evidenced by our numerous accolades including more teaching awards than any other Australian University and reflected in UQ being the number one recipient of ARC Fellowships and Awards nationally across all scheme years (totalling 452 awards worth $339 million).
Our state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and cutting-edge research centres offer unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth.
With five faculties, a number of globally recognised research institutes, and over 100 research centres, we attract an interdisciplinary community of more than **** staff, supporting more than 55,000 current students from over 137 countries.
UQ is dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of our students and staff.
Our comprehensive career services provide personalized guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals.
Whether you are a student seeking internships and job placements or a staff member looking for career advancement, UQ is here to support you every step of the way.
For more information about working at UQ and our employee benefits (such as generous leave provisions, 17% superannuation, flexible working arrangements, and health and wellness discounts) please visit Why Work at UQ.
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📌 Senior Research Assistant, Mrna Manufacturing (Brisbane)
🏢 University Of Queensland
📍 Brisbane