Job Description

• BASE Facility, within the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years.
• Base salary will be in the range $97,268.85 to $104,348.98 + 17% super (HEW Level 6).
• Based at the Translational Research Institute in Woolloongabba.

About This Opportunity

Join the collaborative BASE Product Development team and bring your specialist expertise in mRNA manufacture to purposeful product and process development. Working alongside colleagues across BASE, you will help design and scale robust manufacturing processes, generate reliable experimental evidence, and translate scientific ideas into practical outcomes. This is an opportunity to contribute to an innovative environment where technical excellence, curiosity and teamwork come together to advance next-generation mRNA vaccines and therapies.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Apply specialist technical expertise to mRNA product and process development, including experimental design, process scale-up, results analysis and data interpretation.
• Set up, monitor and demonstrate experiments and equipment use, maintain comprehensive preparation notes, and accurately document experimental activities, results and outcomes.
• Develop and maintain high-quality technical documentation, including standard operating procedures, worksheets, laboratory records and supporting process documentation.
• Collaborate across BASE teams to address cross-functional issues, identify continuous improvement opportunities, support junior scientists and students, and maintain a safe and compliant laboratory environment.

About You

• Completion of a relevant degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology or a related field, with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated research knowledge and practical expertise across specialist and general research techniques relevant to mRNA manufacture.
• Experience with techniques such as cell culture, tissue culture, polymerase chain reaction, in vitro transcription and RNA biology.
• Demonstrated capability in experimental design, process development, scale-up activities, results analysis and data interpretation.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills, with the ability to plan ahead, prioritise competing tasks, meet deadlines and adapt to changing requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate and concise scientific and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of collaborative, cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to accuracy, precision, continuous improvement and safe laboratory practice.

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 named Concept Stage winners in a prestigious global prize supporting the advancement of patch-based mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza. The collaboration reflects BASE’s end-to-end mRNA capabilities and its commitment to translating innovative research into products with meaningful public health impact. Read more about UQ and Vaxxas advancing patch-based mRNA vaccines

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on-campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Aayushi Ghodasara - a.ghodasara@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 and cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Other Information

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 criterion 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 02 September 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-67201). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for early September.

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