Senior Research Assistant, mRNA Manufacture

UQ College

Senior Research Assistant providing technical research support for mRNA manufacturing at BASE Facility. Involved in coordinating manufacturing processes and ensuring product quality at Translational Research Institute.

Posted 6/13/2026full-timeWoolloongabba • 🇦🇺 AustraliaSenior💰 A$85,451 - A$94,983 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide technical research support and subject matter expertise in support of mRNA manufacturing
Coordinate aspects of mRNA products manufacturing, including template synthesis, purification, IVT processes and formulation
Validate and execute analytical assays for the characterisation of mRNA quality attributes, including assays for purity, integrity, and stability
Assist in the design of optimisation studies, under supervision of senior staff to improve manufacturing processes for efficiency, yield, and quality
Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, procedures, and results
Generate and follow Standard Operating Procedures with a high attention to detail
Troubleshoot issues with manufacturing process/technical equipment, proposing and implementing solutions to ensure smooth operations under the guidance of supervisor
Undertake maintenance and upkeep of facilities and equipment

Requirements

What you’ll need

Completion of a degree level qualification in Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Pharmaceutical or completion of a Diploma with relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
Excellent practical research skills and experience in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, primer design, nucleic acid extraction and purification, in-vitro transcription (IVT)
Experience using analytical techniques, including U.V spectroscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, capillary GE and HPLC
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
Ability to work independently on routine procedures
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Well-organised, methodical and self-motivated
Previous experience in mRNA manufacturing in an industry setting would be considered favourably.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

mRNA manufacturingtemplate synthesispurificationin-vitro transcription (IVT)analytical assayspurity assaysintegrity assaysstability assaysPCRnucleic acid extraction

Soft Skills

collaborative workindependent workoral communicationwritten communicationorganisational skillsmethodical approachself-motivationattention to detail

Certifications

degree in Molecular Biologydegree in Biochemistrydegree in Pharmaceutical