Jobs and Careers

• Manufacture vaccines and monitor the results
• Turn data into meaningful immunology insights
• Full time, fixed term until December 2026, based in Hobart

About the opportunity

The Vaccine Research Assistant will be a critical member of the Wild Immunology group at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research (Menzies), supporting a wildlife vaccine research program developing and testing a novel biocontrol vaccine aimed to reduce the impact of invasive species in the environment.

What you’ll do:

• Assemble synthetic viral vectors in a PC2 laboratory.
• Manufacture the vaccine batch, vaccinate and monitor mice and rats in a PC2 facility.
• Establish competency in mouse and rat handling and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of procedures, samples and laboratory results.
• Collect samples, develop and perform immunology assays and analyse results.

­What we’re looking for:

• A degree in immunology, virology, molecular biology or related field.
• Experience working with mice, rats, or other animals in a laboratory or research environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory immunological techniques and molecular biology techniques.
• High level written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to work nights and/or weekends during the key points in the vaccine trials.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 5 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $105,665 comprising base salary within the range of $80,869 to $90,312 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success profile.
• For further information about this position, please contact Andy Flies, Principal Research Fellow - Immunology, at: andy.flies@utas.edu.au or +61 3 6226 4614.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 502076 - Vaccine Research Assistant.pdf

Applications close Thursday, 29 January 2026, 11.55pm

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.