Careers at UniSC

• School of Science, Technology & Engineering | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Level 5 $80,236 - $90,420 p.a. pro rata, plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Fractional (50%), fixed-term appointment until December 2025

The Opportunity

With over a decade of dedication to the national honey industry, UniSC’s Honey Lab is Australia's leading testing and research facility for Manuka honey. As one of the few approved laboratories for AMHA authentication, we continue to enhance industry standards through groundbreaking research and participation in the Global Proficiency HoneyChek Program. Our innovations, including the “3in1” analysis of DHA, HMF, and MGO, along with phenolic profiling, reinforce our reputation as pioneers in honey science.

We’re looking for a Research Assistant to play a key role in delivering high-quality honey analyses and producing accurate, reliable reports for stakeholders. In this role, you’ll maintain meticulous records, foster strong relationships with beekeepers and industry partners, and contribute to consultancy projects focused on Australian Manuka honey. Your work will help sustain vital connections within the honey industry while supporting UniSC’s commitment to research excellence and innovation. If you’re passionate about scientific research and the future of Australia’s honey industry, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information please visit us online: School of Science, Technology and Engineering

You will:

• apply expert skills and knowledge of extraction methods and chromatography techniques to the analysis of honey products;
• participate in the provision of analytical services and testing in accordance with established methods and procedures;
• provide extensive research administrative support; and
• engage professionally and collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.

About you:

You are detail-oriented and highly organised, with experience maintaining meticulous laboratory records and notebooks. Your strong time management and prioritisation skills ensure efficiency and integrity in your work. You thrive in a team environment, collaborating respectfully and professionally to achieve shared goals while upholding the highest standards of accuracy and accountability.

You will possess:

• experience with performing honey products extraction consistently at a very high standard and without supervision;
• experience with the SOP protocol “3in1” to analyse DHA, HMF and MGO in manuka honey.
• experience with phenolic profiling of Australian honey;
• knowledge of Global Proficiency HoneyChek Program accreditation and AMHA certification requirements; and
• experience with processing and analysing HPLC data, including the use of relevant computer software.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position Description:  493074 - Research Assistant.pdf

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through the Careers at UniSC website.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 6 April 2025.

Your completed application must include:

• a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which will be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Dr Asmaa Boufridi
Research Fellow – School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Telephone: 07 5456 5428
Email: aboufridi@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.