Project Manager, Vaccine Development

About This Opportunity

Join a highly regarded, collaborative research environment, supporting the Vicebio/Sanofi contract research program and the wider Chappell Group. As Project Manager, Vaccine development, you will coordinate research activities across the project lifecycle, keep complex deliverables on track, support ethical and regulatory compliance, and contribute specialist laboratory expertise in vaccine development and Receptor identification through mass spectrometry. Your work will connect project management discipline with applied research, helping a multidisciplinary team create meaningful change through scientific discovery.

Key responsibilities will include:

Project Management

• •Develop and maintain detailed project timelines for contract research streams
• •Track project deliverables and progress to their delivery; supporting research team to navigate and resolve problems impacting the successful delivery
• •Implement best-practice project management methodologies to increase efficiency, boost productivity and achieve project objectives on time and within budget

• •Assist in the development of the project budget, including preparing estimates as relevant to the project research streams
• •Administration activities related to project finances and financial tracking

Administration of animal ethics applications and other regulatory approvals required for project compliance

Research

• •Undertake advanced elements of research, including mass-spectrometry
• •Plan and conduct laboratory work within an established research group and larger consortium
• •Conduct high quality experiments under the guidance of experienced post-doctoral researchers to achieve a well-defined set of project goals.
• •Thorough recording of results using an electronic lab book format
• •Standard procedures involving laboratory mice including immunisations, blood draws and sacrifice

Safety

• •Ensure a high standard of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage and chemical/specimen/sample inventory management
• •Assist with developing a proactive safety culture and implement continuous improvement

This is a full-time (100% FTE), fixed-term position through to 31 December 2027 at HEW Level 8.

About You

You are an experienced Research Manager with postgraduate qualifications (or be in progress towards postgraduate qualifications) in Business, Project Management or a related field or an equivalent combination of qualifications and workplace experience.

In addition, you will have:

• •Demonstrated research-relevant knowledge and skills with expertise in a wide range of specialist and general research techniques, including cloning, protein expression, purification, ELISA and mammalian cell culture
• •Expertise in Mass-Spectrometry
• •Detailed knowledge of legislative requirements and operating procedures for major areas of research and scientific safety such as quarantine procedures, waste disposal, labelling and risk assessment
• •Demonstrated experience managing research projects, ideally within a large and complex organisation
• •Demonstrated expertise in the application of best-practice project management methodologies as appropriate to the size, scale, scope and complexity of the project
• •Excellent interpersonal skills, including the effective liaison and negotiation skills needed to develop and maintain strong working relationships within a School/Faculty/Institute/Portfolio, and the wider University community
• •Demonstrated high level organisational ability, attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines and manage competing priorities
• •Previous management experience within a tertiary and/or research institution would be highly valued

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Keith Chappell - k.chappell@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 summarising how your background aligns with the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information

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

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is 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 criterion 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 8 October 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-69568).

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