• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to December 2027
• Base salary will be in the range $97,268.85 - $104,348.98 + 17% super (HEW Level 6)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

Join the collaborative Chappell research group and support an industry-linked vaccine development program and the broader work of the group. As the Advanced Laboratory Technician, you will provide specialist technical expertise in mammalian cell culture, protein production and aseptic laboratory practice. You will help researchers deliver focused, high-quality work while maintaining the equipment, systems and standards needed for safe, reliable and compliant laboratory operations.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Provide technical laboratory support across a range of laboratory methods and equipment, including troubleshooting experimental and equipment issues, maintaining specialist knowledge of laboratory techniques, and assisting with the development and improvement of testing procedures and methodologies.
• Manage CHO cell culture activities, including coordination with researchers to perform transfections, maintenance of CHO cell line banks, and support for laboratory experiments and reporting.
• Maintain laboratory operations and compliance through equipment servicing, repair and calibration, quality assurance processes, risk assessments, waste management, housekeeping, stock and chemical inventory control, sample storage, and accurate record management.
• Support laboratory and field-based research activities by assisting with preparation for external site work and ensuring laboratories are operational, safe, and research-ready.

Safety

• Ensure the safe and compliant operation of laboratory and facility activities by managing occupational health and safety systems, risk assessments and mitigation strategies, inductions, supervision, training records, inventories, and the reporting and investigation of incidents, injuries, and hazards.
• Monitor and maintain compliance with University, regulatory, and quarantine requirements through laboratory audits, compliance inspections, and the application of safe design principles to laboratory and facility plant, equipment, and systems.

Operational and Administration

• Coordinate laboratory operations and resources, including equipment requests, consumables, inventory management, procurement activities, maintenance scheduling, and contribution to laboratory budget planning for equipment, facilities, and service contracts.
• Support the effective delivery of laboratory services through liaison with internal and external stakeholders and assistance with the supervision of casual laboratory support staff.

Education

• In conjunction with discipline-based academic staff, develop and maintain undergraduate laboratory experiments to satisfy learning objectives for undergraduate courses, including: determining requirements for the preparation/conduct of classes; the development and testing of new practicals and participation in tutor training
• Assist with distribution, handling and administration of teaching related materials such as practical notes and examination papers
• Assist with preparations for and participate in the outreach activities, information sessions and workshops for schools and other external organizations

About You  

You will bring:

• A degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology or a related discipline, together with relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and professional experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture, including CHO cell methodologies and effective aseptic techniques.
• Strong practical knowledge of molecular biology or vaccine-development laboratory methods and equipment.
• Advanced capability in cleaning, maintaining, servicing, troubleshooting and calibrating laboratory equipment.
• Detailed knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and operating procedures, including risk assessment, quarantine, waste disposal, chemical labelling and incident reporting.
• Experience maintaining laboratory records, sample storage systems, inventories, consumables and high standards of laboratory housekeeping.
• The ability to analyse technical problems, improve testing procedures and methodologies and communicate findings through clear reports.
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, professional staff and internal and external clients.

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.

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, and salary packaging.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Keith Chappell - k.chappell@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 to 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 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 11 November 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-70248).