Project Assistant (Laboratory Support) - Division of Life Science

Job Posting Details

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is seeking a careful and dependable Project Assistant to support the daily operation of the State Key Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders. The laboratory studies the mechanisms of nervous system function and disease, and runs a full range of wet laboratory techniques including cell culture, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology. This position is essential in keeping the laboratory running safely, smoothly and to a high standard of technical support, so that our researchers can stay focused on their science.

The Project Assistant will report to the Laboratory Manager, or to a more senior member of the laboratory as designated from time to time. The position does not involve the independent design of research projects. Working closely with research staff and other technical staff, the appointee will take care of the routine laboratory work that keeps our research pipelines moving and ensures that laboratory resources and equipment remain well managed.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Routine and Maintenance

• Prepare common buffers, culture media and stock solutions; weigh and dilute reagents accurately; label and date all preparations.
• Carry out glassware washing, autoclaving and equipment cleaning; keep benches, fume hoods and sinks clean and organised.
• Monitor and record the operation of shared equipment including centrifuges, incubators, water baths, freezers and autoclaves; report faults promptly and coordinate maintenance with service vendors.
• Manage laboratory supplies, including inventory tracking, reordering of reagents and consumables, checking of expiry dates, and coordination of delivery and proper storage.
• Cell culture support.

Sample and Record Management

• Label, aliquot and store samples; maintain freezer logs and sample storage records.
• Assist with routine data entry, image and file organisation, and preparation of figures or slides for laboratory meetings.
• Support for the safety inspections.

Qualifications and Skills

• A diploma level qualification or above, such as the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, HKDSE, or an equivalent post-secondary qualification.
• Previous laboratory experience is preferred but not mandatory; on-the-job training will be provided.
• Basic laboratory literacy, including solution preparation, volumetric measurement, autoclave operation and aseptic technique, is an advantage.
• Careful, responsible and diligent working habits with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and service-minded attitude.
• A good command of written and spoken English and Chinese; knowledge of Cantonese is an advantage.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

(Duration: 1 year) 

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits including annual leave, and medical and dental benefits will be provided. 

Please apply on or before: 31 October 2026.

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.  Applicants should read the Personal Information Collection Statement before submission of application.)

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.