Senior Research Assistant, mRNA medicines Full-time NEW

BASE Facility Position

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. The position is ideal for motivated candidates with a background in molecular biology, genetics, or biochemistry, and a passion for translational RNA research. If you're eager to work in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and personal growth, we encourage you to apply.

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 implement continuous improvement

Research and administrative support:

• Assists with the development of research/analytical protocols
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, including data visualisation, and documentation of experimental methods and results methods.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records using project management systems.
• Support inventory management and general laboratory operations, including reagent preparation and equipment upkeep.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors to support the timely completion of project aims.

About the BASE facility:

The BASE Facility, situated at the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) within the University of Queensland, St Lucia campus, is a not-for-profit NCRIS facility dedicated to advancing academic and translational research throughout Australia. Our mission at BASE is to empower scientists with high-quality mRNA for translational use in discovery, development, and pre-clinical work. We offer a comprehensive end-to-end service, including mRNA design, final formulation, and industry-leading analytics, to facilitate the development of cutting-edge treatments for patients. By providing unparalleled research and production capabilities, we are committed to advancing the fields of bioengineering and nanotechnology, while delivering tangible benefits to the Australian community.

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:

• 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 program
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You:

• Completion of a relevant Bachelor and /or Masters 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.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr. Helen Gunter at h.gunter@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.

Applications close 28 April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-63273). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for early May.