Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. As a Research Assistant, you’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

The School of Environment and Science maintains an illustrious research position across numerous industry sectors, guiding and informing its learning and teaching. Our school is committed to contributing to the planet's sustainable future by identifying and measuring environmental problems and offering solution-driven approaches. Our research and teaching staff are acknowledged as world industry leaders, working across the broad science and environment disciplines enabling us to develop and deliver comprehensive study programs. We partner with industry, government, and the community to drive innovation and achieve success.

As a Research Assistant, you’ll contribute to an externally funded, multiple-disciplinary research project on the detection and quantification of microplastic in soil, waste and water samples.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Prepare soil/ environmental samples for analysis, and this will involve soil sampling, processing and sieving.
• Conduct chemical, physical and microbiological analysis on soil, plant and environmental samples, particularly in the area of microplastic analysis of soil and waste samples.
• Complete testing within required timeframes and in accordance with direction from Lab Manager.
• Coordinate activities with other program participants to ensure effective team communication and collaboration throughout the lifetime of the project.
• Be able to work in a team environment as well as independently.

About you
What matters most is your drive to create a brighter future that benefits all. Through our core principles of excellence, ethics and engagement, you’ll thrive on seeing the direct and lasting impact you’ll have on every community and every future.

You will also have:

• Bachelor or Master of Science or equivalent qualifications in analytical chemistry, soil science, environmental science or equivalent areas, and work experience in soil processing and chemical analysis in a laboratory context.
• Demonstrated ability to collect and prepare soil and environmental samples for analysis, including sampling, processing, and sieving to laboratory standards.
• Experience performing chemical, physical, and microbiological testing on soil, plant, and environmental samples, with specialised expertise in microplastic analysis.
• Strong capability to complete laboratory testing accurately and efficiently within required timeframes, following established protocols and directions from the Lab Manager.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a diversity of research programs and participants to ensure effective team communication and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimal supervision to meet competing deadlines and work effectively as a member of a team and communicate with a range of stakeholders.

What we can offer
This is a fixed term (2 years), full time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
The full time equivalent base salary for Research Assistant Grade 1 range will be $75,627 - $79,984 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $88,484 - $93,582 per annum.

The full time equivalent base salary for Research Assistant Grade 2 range will be $84,335 - $88,689 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $98,672 - $103,767 per annum.

Why join Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Distinguished Professor Chengrong Chen, School of Environment and Science at [email protected].

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Ms Corinna Gartrell, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected].

For application support, please contact the Corporate Services Service Centre on +61 07 373 54011 and quote reference number REF9143D.

Closing date: Monday 8 December 2025 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.