Queensland, Australia
Onsite
Full-time, fixed-term position for 6 months
Base salary will be in the range $83,776 - $93,121 + 17% super (HEW Level 5)
Based at our Dutton Park site
Join a dedicated, inquisitive and highly collaborative animal research support team and play a vital role in enabling world‑class research outcomes. As an Gnotobiotic Animal Technical Officer, you will provide specialised expert animal care, breeding and technical services across a diverse research environment, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, biosecurity and regulatory compliance. Working closely with researchers, students and facility colleagues, this role combines hands‑on technical expertise with trusted advisory support, contributing directly to the University’s purpose of creating change together through responsible and impactful research.
If you are passionate about high‑quality animal care and want to contribute to ethical, impactful research outcomes, we encourage you to apply today.
Key responsibilities will include:
Deliver high‑quality animal care and technical support by providing expert husbandry, colony management and specialised procedures across laboratory animals predominantly laboratory rodents within a germ-free and gnotobiotic setting, ensuring optimal animal welfare at all times.
Monitoring breeding performance of stock, transgenic and knockout lines of mice and maintaining records
Support ethical and compliant research operations through the accurate application of approved animal ethics protocols, biosecurity measures and regulatory requirements, and by maintaining precise records and facility standards.
Maintain safe, reliable and well‑functioning facilities by overseeing cleanliness, life‑support systems and equipment, responding promptly to alarms and incidents, and contributing to a culture of safety and accountability.
Perform gnotobiotic facility operational tasks including germ-free sterilisation of supplies and equipment, construction and maintenance of germ-free isolators and Iso-cages and regular sample collection and quality control measures.
Collaborate, communicate and build capability by working closely with researchers, students and colleagues, assisting with training, supervision and inductions, and providing clear, professional advice and support.
This role involves physical duties, including manual handling of equipment and supplies, and participation in weekend and public holiday rosters as required.
A background in animal care, animal technology or other related fields, or an equivalent combination of relevant work-related experience, supported by relevant qualifications and hands‑on experience in a research or regulated animal facility.
Demonstrated capability in animal handling, husbandry and technical procedures, with a strong commitment to animal welfare and ethical research practices.
Sound knowledge of breeding practices, genetic management and accurate record‑keeping, or the proven ability to quickly develop expertise in these areas.
Experience applying regulatory and compliance frameworks such as OH&S, AEC, OGTR or DAFF within complex or novel research environments.
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to work independently, prioritise competing tasks and respond effectively to operational issues or incidents.
Well‑developed interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with researchers, students, colleagues and external stakeholders.
Desirable
Demonstrated experience in managing GM rodent production and colony management
Experience and/or training in a germ-free facility, or the ability to gain such experience
Training and experience in handling biological specimens, toxic chemicals, or infectious agents.
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, 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 Carina Walpole at c.walpole@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 summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.
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.
Vaccinations and Immunisation: It is a condition of employment for this role that if you are required now or in the future, to work or interact in Queensland Health clinical facility; or in an equivalent, clinical health facility; or health care role; or will be required to perform work tasks that put you at risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable disease you are required to be immunised against, and remain immunised against, certain vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in accordance with the University’s Vaccinations and Immunisation Guidelines (PPL 2.60.08). The employee is required to provide evidence of immunisation against VPDs.
Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
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 talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Wednesday 3 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-64801). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week of 8th June 2026.
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