Aquatics Technical Assistant

• UQ Biological Resources

• Full-time (100%), permanent position.

• Base salary will be in the range $79,096 - $83,863 + 17% super (HEW Level 4).

• Based at our St Lucia location.

Join a collaborative, inclusive and purpose-driven team supporting world-class research through the delivery of high-quality animal care and technical services. As an Aquatics Technical Assistant, you will play a vital role in our team, maintaining consistent health, welfare and husbandry of laboratory research animals. Working within a professional and supportive environment, you will be contributing directly to the success of cutting-edge research by maintaining compliance, welfare and the safe, efficient operation of specialised research facilities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing routine animal care, husbandry and welfare support for laboratory aquatic species, including water quality maintenance.

• Performing manual housekeeping tasks to support facility hygiene and equipment operation

• Performing routine technical procedures, including approved euthanasia methods, in accordance with regulatory requirements and animal welfare standards.

• Maintaining accurate facility records and providing timely communication

• Participate in regular rostered weekend and on-call shifts (average 2 per month).

• A relevant qualification (e.g. Aquaculture, Animal Technology) with relevant experience.

• Experience with animal handling, recirculating aquaculture systems, equipment maintenance, animal health monitoring, and euthanasia practices. and/or laboratory animal environments, would be highly regarded.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with researchers, students, suppliers and colleagues.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands, work efficiently and independently in line with Standard Operation Procedures and achieve deadlines.

• Experience in a scientific research environment and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel would be advantageous.

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options where operationally appropriate, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on-campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Gillian Lawrence, Aquatics Facility Manager, at [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], 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 to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, mandatory immunisations. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Working with laboratory animals is an inherent requirement of the position. The appointment is therefore subject to, and conditional upon, satisfactory medical clearance(s), including disclosure of relevant medical history, to undertake such work without unreasonable risk to your health and safety. In addition, the Employee is required to fully comply with necessary ongoing health monitoring procedures and control measures associated with the position.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

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 [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-68717).