• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
The UNSW RNA Institute is Australia’s leading RNA research institute, bringing together researchers from UNSW Science, Engineering and Medicine, led by Professor Pall Thordarson, with collaborative input from other universities and institutes.
Our mission is to grow and support the NSW RNA Ecosystem:
• mRNA Vaccines
• Other RNA Therapeutics
• RNA Delivery Systems
• RNA Technologies
• RNA Education
• RNA Research.
The Scientist is responsible for providing professional and technical support to facilitate the analysis of RNA for pre-clinical studies and conduct quality control activities in a regulated environment. The role will contribute to and apply knowledge in the field of RNA analysis to a range of projects conducted within the UNSW RNA Institute.
About the role
• Level 6 ($100k - $107K) plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 9 months (to December 19, 2025)
• Full-time (35 hours per week)
The role reports to the Quality Manager and has no direct reports.
Specific responsibilities for this role include:
- Provision of practical and efficient technical support to stakeholders, assisting in the purification and analysis of RNA, peptides and related products.
- Monitor production protocols, provide problem solving and resolution to any evolving problems related to design, implementation and analysis.
- Perform quantitative/qualitative data analyses as required by the project.
- Conduct quality control analyses and operational activities of the Analytical Laboratory under GLP, ISO 9001 and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) regulations.
- Prepare and contribute to the production of technical reports, case studies, safe work procedures and process documentation.
- Proactively assist with research reports, peer-reviewed publications, presentations, ethics applications and progress reports.
- Liaise with organisations, data custodians, stakeholders and collaborators and actively participate in meetings and discussions as required.
- Contribute to the culture of continuous improvement in the Institute by routinely identifying and recommending innovative and more efficient ways of working
- Assist management with maintenance of equipment through development and implementation of service schedules and contracts.
- Provide technical support and training to stakeholders and collaborators as required.
- Coordinate, plan and complete day-to-day activities within the framework of agreed project timelines and responsibilities.
- Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
- Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself or others.
About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Chemistry, Biology or related discipline with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with mass spectrum analysis of sRNA and other RNA-based products, peptides and/or proteins. Knowledge of or hands-on experience with analytical HPLC (desirable).
- Demonstrated experience or understanding of GLP, GMP and/or ISO 9001 principles and requirements (desirable).
- Demonstrated experience working with and troubleshooting a range of technical instruments.
- Demonstrated high level of attention to detail and diligence in carrying out and documenting complex procedures.
- Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills, and the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.
Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.
Contact:
Alison Ho
E: alison.ho1@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: March 11th, 2025
UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.
UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).
