About this Opportunity

As the Principal Research Scientist, Quality Assurance, you will work within a senior research team to provide specialist scientific and technical expertise across biologics research, development and manufacture. You will support the National Biologics Facility’s strategic objectives by strengthening quality systems, developing fit-for-purpose quality processes and fostering a proactive culture of safety and continuous improvement.

This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to support high-quality, early-phase clinical materials manufacture and create meaningful change in a complex scientific environment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing advanced scientific and technical expertise to maximise research outcomes in quality biologics development and manufacture.
• Undertaking specialist aspects of biologics research in accordance with early-phase regulatory expectations
• Contributing research subject matter expertise to the design, implementation, evaluation and modification of research methodologies and/or protocols aligning internal quality frameworks
• Contributing to strategic quality initiatives, including changes and system integration activities, and to the development of a proactive safety culture and implementation of continuous improvement
• Providing training for the use of specialised equipment, preparation of risk assessments, chemical storage, etc
• Contributing to and/or drafting elements of research proposals, grant applications, ethics applications and/or other documentation and managing compliance with approved research ethics protocols
• Implementing or improving existing research-focused systems or processes with respect to continuous improvement initiatives to support the NBF's quality framework
• Designing complex testing procedures and protocols and coordinating to identify problems and solutions
• Collaborating on standards for procedures with respect to quality guidelines
• Assisting in the design of complex research studies, under supervision of senior staff
• Assisting scientific method development, validation and sample analysis studies, and maintaining accurate records of complex experiments or technical activities and results/outcomes
• Ensuring safe design principles are applied to the activities of the research team
• Contributing to research quality assurance, control and improvement activities, in collaboration with senior research staff and stakeholders
• Ensuring a high standard of occupational health and safety standards and systems, including inductions, supervision, equipment training registers, administration of research facilities, inventories, reporting and investigating injuries, incidents and hazards
• Mentoring and/or supporting the development of more junior research technicians/engineers, scientists

This is a part-time (80%), continuing position at HEW Level 7.

About You

You will have significant experience and expertise in quality assurance with a biopharmaceutical focus. In addition, you will have:

• Completion of a Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline with 4 years' subsequent relevant experience (e.g. bioprocessing, pharmacy, biotechnology), and/or an equivalent combination of relevant industry experience and/or education/training
• Demonstrated experience in quality assurance with a biopharmaceutical focus, with the ability to apply risk-based quality principles to early-phase (Phase 1) clinical materials manufacture
• Expertise in the application of ISO9001 and quality management systems
• Significant experience with quality processes such as deviations, CAPA, and change control, with the ability to support investigations and drive continuous improvement outcomes
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders of varying levels of seniority and ability to produce high-quality documents, reports, and correspondence
• High level of organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgement and prioritise competing demands
• Commitment to upholding the University’s values, and with the outstanding personal qualities of openness, respectfulness and integrity
• A commitment to upholding the highest standard of research integrity, ethics and workplace health and safety

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Kym Hoger at k.hoger@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 summarising how your background aligns with the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, mandatory immunisations checks. 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 criterion 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 14 September 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-68818). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing 14 September 2026.

#LI-DNI