Scientist RNA Institute

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At UNSW we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The UNSW RNA Institute is Australias 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 Scientist carries out research development and production of RNA and related products within the UNSW RNA Institute. The role will contribute and apply knowledge in the field of RNA processing to a range of projects conducted within the Institute.

About the role

• Level 5 ($92K - $104k) Level 6 ($108k - $115K)plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term 14 months (to December 31 2027)
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to the Senior Scientist pDNA mRNA and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

LEVEL 5 Scientist I

• Conduct research development and production of RNA and related products under the Institutes Quality Management System(s) within agreed timelines as required.
• Assist in the design and execution of research and development activities to improve processes and methods for the production of RNA and related products.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders researchers and collaborators and actively participate in meetings and discussions as required.
• Assist custodians for specialised instruments within your area of expertise supporting maintenance operation troubleshooting and training of new users.
• Monitor the effectiveness of existing procedures and provide advice on research and development activities to improve processes and methods.
• Support implementation maintenance and continuous improvement of the Institutes Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001 and/or GMP).
• Monitor effectiveness of existing processes (scientific technical and administrative) and advise on proposals to improve operations.
• Assist with training internal and external stakeholders in the production of RNA and related products as required.
• Cross-train in related methods and perform quality control analysis of RNA and related products as required.
• Proactively assist with research reports peer-reviewed publications presentations ethics applications technical procedures method documentation safe work procedures and other published materials.
• 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.

LEVEL 6 Scientist II
(In addition to the above)

• Design and execute research and development activities to improve processes and methods for the production of RNA and related products.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders researchers and collaborators and actively lead meetings and discussions as required.
• Manage smaller research/industry-based projects or elements of larger projects within and/or across the Institute leading staff and influencing other internal and external partners to achieve the projects goals.
• Act as custodian for specialised instruments within your area of expertise supporting procurement installation and servicing while managing maintenance operation troubleshooting and training of new users.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

LEVEL 5 Scientist I

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A degree in Molecular Biology Biochemistry or related discipline or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education training or experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge in pDNA and mRNA production techniques in particular downstream processing such as HPLC FPLC and TFF.
• Demonstrated knowledge in RNA analytical techniques.
• Knowledge and experience working with and troubleshooting a range of technical instruments.
• Demonstrated knowledge or understanding of Quality Management Systems such as ISO 9001 and/or GMP.
• Demonstrated high level of attention to detail and diligence in carrying out and documenting complex procedures.
• Excellent time management skills with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSWs 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.

LEVEL 6 Scientist II
(In addition to the above)

• A degree in Molecular Biology Biochemistry or related discipline with subsequent relevant experience or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of formal education training or industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience in techniques used for pDNA and mRNA production in particular downstream processing such as HPLC FPLC and TFF.
• Demonstrated experience in RNA analytical techniques is beneficial.
• Demonstrated experience managing operation troubleshooting and training for a range of specialised instruments.
• Demonstrated experience in Quality Management Systems such as ISO 9001 and/or GMP.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed abovein your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
UNSW Recruitment
E:

Applications close: October 8^th 2026

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 Australias leading diversity organisations networks and campaigns. Please refer to UNSWs diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options and support for carers (childcare parent rooms parental leave).