Full-time fixed-term position through to end of March 2027
Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 17% super (Academic Level A)
Based at our St Lucia Campus
Join a visionary and collaborative research environment within the Walker Research Group, where you will play a central role in advancing vaccine functional assay development. This role is ideally suited to an early‑career researcher who is passionate about translational science and wants to contribute meaningfully to research that moves discoveries from the laboratory towards real‑world impact.
Working alongside inquisitive colleagues, you will contribute to projects focused on enzyme assay development, recombinant antigen cloning and purification, and biochemical assay testing to investigate correlates of protection, including pathways towards commercialisation of University intellectual property.
Key responsibilities will include:
Research: Establish and contribute to a focused research endeavour aligned to vaccine functional assay development, including cloning and purification of recombinant antigens and development of enzyme‑based and biochemical assays. Produce quality research outputs through publication in high‑quality outlets and contribute to competitive research funding applications. Apply best‑practice research methodologies and actively support the translation of knowledge, technology and practices to research end users, including commercialisation opportunities.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Support the supervision and development of research assistants and Higher Degree by Research and Honours students as appropriate. Demonstrate personal effectiveness in researcher development by providing guidance, feedback and coaching, and by fostering a positive, inclusive and high‑performing research culture.
Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate citizenship behaviours aligned with University values through collaboration, professional conduct and active participation in unit priorities. Contribute to internal service and administrative activities, support colleagues during periods of absence, and begin developing external links with industry, government and professional partners.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance
You are an ambitious and scientifically curious early‑career researcher with strong laboratory expertise and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. You are motivated by research with translational potential and bring a purposeful approach to advancing experimental science.
You will demonstrate:
Completion or near completion of a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training.
Experience in molecular biology techniques, including cloning and manipulation of recombinant DNA.
Demonstrated experience in protein expression and purification.
Experience with bacterial culture and aseptic laboratory techniques.
Experience with assay development, biosensors, or the use of monoclonal antibodies in assay development.
Ability to develop, implement and routinely perform laboratory techniques with high levels of accuracy and efficiency.
Sound knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and occupational health and safety guidelines.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively and independently to plan, execute and interpret research activities.
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, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.
The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Mark Walker at mark.walker@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.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.
Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia and qualifications check. 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. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Wednesday June 24th 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-65212). Please note that interviews have been scheduled for Tuesday July 7th 2026.
