Research Assistant in Conservation Genomics and Bioinformatics

School of the Environment

Part-time (29 hours per week) fixed-term position for up to 11 months

Base salary will be in the range $82,133.76 - $91,295.50 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)

Based at our St Lucia location

About This Opportunity

Join a dynamic research team leading the way in conservation genomics and artificial intelligence. As the Research Assistant you will contribute to an exciting new project led by Associate Professor Celine Frere — “Combining omics and artificial intelligence to conserve Australian vertebrate species.”

You’ll play a key role in generating and analysing data that will help protect Australia’s unique wildlife. This is an outstanding opportunity to apply your technical expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, and AI within a collaborative, forward-thinking research environment

Key responsibilities will include:

Coordinates aspects of a scientific or technical activity

Assists in the design of research studies, under supervision of senior staff

Applies and/or instructs others on the application of advanced or specialist or technical research skills or processes

Assists in the conduct of major or complex experiments, tasks or programs

Assists with drafting research documentation, including ethics and funding applications

Undertakes literature searches and reviews

Assists with preparing reports, graphs, figures and presentations on research outcomes at different stages of the research cycle outcomes

About UQ

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.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave

17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading

Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight

Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program

On campus childcare options

Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)

Salary packaging options

About You

Completion of a degree level qualification 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 airDNA, microbiome and machine learning.

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 a similar role would be considered favourably.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia.

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.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Celine Frere via

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

Resume

A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact .

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Monday October 27th 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-56774). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for later in that week.

R-56774