Research Assistant - Environmental Sample Processing at University of Queensland

City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Jul, 26

Salary

93121.0

Posted On

22 Apr, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Wet chemistry, Sample processing, Trace organic chemical analysis, Laboratory support, Field sampling, QA/QC processes, Standard Operating Procedures, Hazardous materials handling, Chemical solution preparation, Technical documentation, Sample management, Equipment maintenance

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences Full-time, fixed-term position through to 30 September 2027 Base salary will range from $83,776 - $93,121 (HEW Level 5) + 17% Superannuation Based at our Dutton Park campus About This Opportunity This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), a multidisciplinary research centre committed to world‑class research across environmental health sciences. Working within a highly collaborative, inquisitive and purpose‑driven environment, you will support research activities in environmental sampling research and related consultancy projects, contributing to work that informs policy, protects communities, and addresses emerging environmental health risks at scale. Key responsibilities will include: Extracting and processing samples for trace organic chemical analysis, including routine wet chemistry tasks such as preparation of chemical solutions, aliquoting, filtration, labelling and processing of high sample volumes. Providing laboratory and field‑based technical support, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies and protocols. Managing the appropriate storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, equipment and samples, including sample receipt, logging and freezer storage. Supporting research and project administration, including sample bottle preparation, coordination with field sampling operators, maintenance of facilities and equipment, and assisting with scientific and technical documentation. About You We are seeking a well‑organised, methodical and self‑motivated Research Assistant who brings: Completion of a degree‑level qualification in a relevant science‑related discipline. Demonstrated laboratory experience, including wet chemistry methodologies, with extraction techniques considered an advantage. Proven ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures and apply appropriate QA/QC processes. Strong understanding of safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials in line with WHS requirements. Ability to work both collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and independently on routine procedures. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to contribute clearly to technical documentation. Previous experience in a similar research or laboratory support role considered favourably. About UQ As part of The University of Queensland community, you will work alongside some of the world’s brightest minds in a culture that is ambitious, inclusive and committed to creating change together. UQ is a Group of Eight university, recognised globally for excellence in research, teaching and impact. The greater benefits of joining UQ are broad and include up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements, access to exclusive internal opportunities, career development pathways, and a strong focus on staff wellbeing. Interested? For more information about this opportunity, please contact Gabriele Elisei at g.elisei@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number 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. Other Information Pre‑employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia (employer-sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment), mandatory immunisations, and other integrity and conduct requirements. We’re dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We are also happy to support accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Applications close Sunday 10 May 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number: R‑63942). 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, flexible working arrangements, and health and wellness discounts) please visit Why Work at UQ.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will extract and process high volumes of environmental samples for trace organic chemical analysis. They will also provide technical support for laboratory and field operations while maintaining equipment and scientific documentation.