About This Opportunity

Join our world class, highly regarded Chappell Group and contribute to preclinical development of viral vaccines with the molecular clamp platform. You'll collaborate with academics, research professionals and industry partners and will also be expected contribute to service and engagement roles and activities across UQ.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Research

• Conduct high quality, well documented and focused research as part of an established research team to achieve a well-defined set of project goals, including; molecular cloning of subunit vaccines based on viral fusion proteins, protein expression in mammalian cell culture, protein purification via chromatography, analysis of sequence and quantitative data, and the characterization of vaccine antigens using methodologies consistent with expectations of vaccine industry.
• Conduct research involving the use of laboratory mice while ensuring compliance with approved ethics protocols
• Culturing of viruses and conducting assays to assess virus neutralisation.
• Analyze and write up research data for publication in leading international journals
• Present research at meetings as appropriate (within group and at national/international conferences)

Supervision and Researcher Development

• Some involvement in Honours and (where appropriate) Higher Degree by Research supervision would be expected.
• Provide training to staff and students on laboratory protocols

Citizenship and Service

• Demonstrate citizenship behaviours that align to the UQ values.
• Shows leadership of self through collaboration and active participation in priority activities for the unit
• Provide support to other academic positions and unit operations as needed during other team members absences.
• Contribute to internal service roles and administrative processes as required, including participation in decision-making and service on relevant committees.
• Collaborate in service activities external to the immediate organisation unit.
• Begin to develop external links and partnerships by cultivating relationships with industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community.

This is a full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to 31 December 2026 at Academic Level A.

About You

• PhD in the area of Microbiology, Virology or equivalent.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge and a contribution to research, including published journal articles, in the areas of Virology or Microbiology
• Experience with the general techniques of virology, cell biology and molecular biology including mammalian cell culture and the establishment of virus/pseudovirus neutralization assays
• Expertise in animal handling and research involving animals
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and establish effect relationships and to represent and promote academic discipline at a university and wider community level, including industry, government and professional bodies.
• Well organised, demonstrated attention to detail and able to compile progress reports
• Detailed knowledge of legislative requirements and operating procedures for major areas of research and scientific safety such as quarantine procedures, waste disposal, labelling and risk assessment
• Well-developed problem-solving skills, well organised, demonstrated attention to detail and able to compile progress reports
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to produce clear, succinct documentation
• The ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a research environment
• Commitment to upholding the University’s values, and with the outstanding personal qualities of openness, respectfulness and integrity

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Keith Chappell – keith.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 summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.

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.

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 17 May 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-64692). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid-late May.

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