About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Receptor Transducer Coupling Laboratory, led by Associate Professor Sebastian Furness, and contribute to purposeful research investigating a potential therapy for Parkinson's disease-associated chronic constipation. Working closely with a postdoctoral researcher in a collaborative, collegial and supportive team, you will investigate cultured cells and neurons in the mouse spinal cord while developing advanced electrophysiological and pharmacological capabilities. This work contributes to UQ's broader culture of innovative biomedical discovery, including research that characterises proteins involved in cell entry to identify new ways of protecting human health. Read more about UQ's research into cellular mechanisms and therapeutic discovery.

Key Responsibilities

- Coordinate and undertake pharmacological assays using recombinant cells, maintain cultured cell lines, and support primary spinal cord neuron culture.
- Conduct retrograde neuronal tracing in rodents and electrophysiological experiments, applying specialist research techniques and troubleshooting scientific equipment.
- Assist with the design and delivery of major or complex experiments under the supervision of senior staff, while maintaining accurate electronic laboratory notebook records and inventories.
- Contribute to safe laboratory operations, research documentation, literature reviews, data presentation, reporting, routine administration and laboratory meetings.

This is a full-time (100%), fixed-term position through until 31 July 2027 at HEW Level 5.

About You

- Completion of a diploma-level qualification in Laboratory Technology with relevant work-related experience, a Certificate IV with relevant work experience, a post-trades certificate with extensive relevant experience and on-the-job training, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education or training.
- Experience with, or a willingness to learn, small rodent animal husbandry and slice electrophysiology.
- Experience in data analysis, data visualisation and statistical analysis.
- Excellent record-keeping skills and a commitment to maintaining accurate, complete and current laboratory documentation.




- High-level interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to contribute effectively within a collaborative and inclusive research team.
- A self-motivated and organised approach, with the ability to prioritise competing responsibilities and meet research deadlines.
- A commitment to excellence, laboratory safety and diligent work performed with a high level of accuracy.
- Experience in G protein-coupled receptor biology and cell-based pharmacological assays would be highly regarded.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements. 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 criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We're also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process.

Applications close Sunday 18th October 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-69377). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Thursday 22nd October 2026.

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 7000 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. 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. We are 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. 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. For more information about working at UQ and our employee benefits (such as generous leave provisions, 17% superannuation, versatile working arrangements, and health and wellness discounts) please visit Why Work at UQ.

Advantages

- generous leave provisions
- 17% superannuation
- flexible working arrangements
- health and wellness discounts

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📌 Senior Research Assistant - Parkinson’s Disease (Brisbane City)
🏢 The University of Queensland
📍 Brisbane City