About This Opportunity

UQ hosts the National Imaging Facility Queensland Node (NIF-Q) with facilities at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) and Herston Imaging Research Facility (HIRF) at Herston Campus. This role encompasses the NIF-Q Director and AIBN Group Leader and will be embedded within the research intensive and infrastructure-rich environment at AIBN.

As a dynamic and strategic research leader, the applicant would establish high quality discovery and translational research programs encompassing the cross-disciplinary fields within radiotheranostics. As such, the position will build critical mass in novel programs that exploit the world-class molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical capabilities at AIBN, exploring theranostics as a new paradigm for understanding and treating disease.

This research should align strongly with both AIBN and UQ strategic research strengths and contribute actively to their goals, with opportunities to build a world-class research group that addresses critical gaps in the field. These activities should drive new technological advancements across the major imaging capabilities at UQ including radiochemistry, pre-clinical imaging, and human and companion imaging, and build capacity in emerging areas of strength in personalised medicine.

The role will provide a unique opportunity to support and contribute to the strategic direction of the strong biotechnology ecosystem at UQ and within Queensland. Further, as Director of NIF-Q, this role will be responsible for supporting the national office of NIF as its Queensland Node Director and oversee the delivery of the NIF-Q Facility (comprised of three related capabilities noted above). This leadership role offers opportunities to link to the broader imaging ecosystem at UQ, including translational clinical research at Herston Imaging Research Facility - HIRF (https://www.hirf.com.au/), and through external engagement strategic opportunities to strengthen international recognition across academia, industry and government.

This is an exciting opportunity to engage in outstanding research that sustains reputation at Professorial level, while building international leadership in the radiotheranostic research field. At this level, the incumbent will take a leadership role within the thriving research environment at AIBN, make outstanding leadership contributions in service and engagement roles and activities with existing dedicated expert facility staff within the AIBN, as well as supervision and training of facility staff and emerging scientists.

Key responsibilities will include:

Research: Establish a leading research program, collaborate on research projects, seek and manage research funding, publish in reputable journals, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.
Teaching: Where undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is undertaken, achieve teaching quality as indicated by approved surveys and outcomes for students and improve or innovate where appropriate in response to feedback.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise students, recruit and manage employees related to both the NIF-Q capability and a research team, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.
Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

For further information, please CLICK HERE for a copy of the full appointment booklet.

About You

Extensive Academic and Industry Background: A PhD in life sciences with over 10 years of international experience across academia and/or industry.
Nanotechnology Research Expertise: Proven track record in theranostics, especially in diagnostics, radiotherapies, theranostics and/or the role of the immune system in radiotherapy.
Executive and Leadership Experience: Demonstrated leadership in nanobiotechnology, including technical and leadership skills.
Commercialisation and IP Strategy: Strong understanding of IP portfolio management and commercialisation pathways for nano- and biotechnology products.
Local Ecosystem Engagement: Thorough understanding of the Australian and Queensland imaging and biotechnology landscape, with a commitment to growing the ecosystem through UQ and NIF networks.
Collaborative Track Record: History of successful collaboration with academic and industry partners, fostering productive external and internal relationships.
Ethical and Research Integrity: Commitment to high standards of ethical conduct and research excellence.
Advocacy and Representation: Ability to represent and promote nanobiotechnology initiatives at university, industry, and government levels.
Organisational Management: Experience managing people, finances, and resources in dynamic research and service-based environments.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: criminal check, education check and research-related immunisations.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Interim Executive Institute Director, Professor Kristofer Thurecht at k.thurecht@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.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

Resume
Cover letter including responses to the ‘About You’ section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Friday 5 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-58873).

AIBN Group Leader & NIF-Q Director

University of Queensland

St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia