Laboratory Assistant

• 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 Laboratory Assistant provides routine technical and laboratory support to the RNA Institute to assist with the smooth and efficient operation of UNSW RNA Institute Accelerator and research laboratories. This includes coordination and preparation of equipment, consumables, inventory and general laboratory maintenance according to implemented policies and procedures.

About the role

• Level 4 ($88K - $93k) plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – to December 31st, 2027
• Full-time (38 hours per week)

The role reports to the Quality Manager and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include: 

• Under the guidance and direction of the supervisor, accurately prepare buffers and other consumables required by UNSW RNA Institute staff.
• Support laboratory operations by performing routine in-house equipment maintenance and assist with coordination of external servicing and repairs.
• Monitor inventory and coordinate timely procurement, delivery and receipt of reagents, consumables, equipment, instruments, and labware and ensuring proper labelling and storage according to safety policies.
• Carry out laboratory housekeeping and support services including maintaining cleanliness of laboratory areas, glassware, and equipment, ensuring proper disposal of waste such as chemicals and biological materials and general laboratory waste.
• Accurately update laboratory records and databases within the quality management system (QMS), including inventory, buffer preparation, equipment maintenance records.
• Identify issues pertaining to laboratory infrastructure and, under the guidance of the Quality Manager, liaise with Estate Management and contractors to report and close out facility-related issues.
• Display a strong sense of self-initiative and ability to organise and prioritise daily tasks, while incorporating guidance and direction provided by the manager and senior staff.
• 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)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Completion of a certificate level qualification in a related discipline with post-certificate relevant work experience or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in, or knowledge of, general laboratory activities and the diverse aspects of supporting the operations of a regulated environments such as ISO/PC2 certified laboratories, including compliance to safety procedures and other implemented policies and procedures.
• Sound organisational skills including ability to prioritise tasks and duties in order to meet deadlines.
• Effective record keeping skills (both paper and electronic), including the ability to work accurately, with strong attention to detail.
• Proficient level of computer literacy with advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications.
• Advanced interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively in a team.
• 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: 

Applications close: December 8th, 2025

Find out more about working at UNSW at 

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).