"FaBA Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Research Officer) - Precision fermentation"

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for two Postdoctoral Research Fellows (Level A or B) to contribute to a cutting-edge research program in microbial strain engineering for precision fermentation of alternative dairy ingredients.

You will work at the interface of synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology to develop and optimise microbial production platforms for dairy proteins.

These positions are part of a collaborative project with an industry partner, aiming to accelerate the development and commercialisation of sustainable, animal-free dairy alternatives. These roles offer the opportunity to conduct research with real-world impact.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Develop an independent and/or collaborative research program in microbial strain engineering with a focus on precision fermentation for alternative dairy production; collaborate effectively with academic and industry partners to design and deliver results that advance both scientific understanding and commercial outcomes; translate research findings into practical applications, including contributing to the commercialisation of intellectual property; apply and refine best-practice research methodologies in strain design, metabolic pathway optimisation, and fermentation process development; produce high-quality research outputs, including publications in leading peer-reviewed journals, and contributions to patents or other commercialisation activities.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise students, recruit and manage employees, 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.

About the Food and Beverage Accelerator

Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) is a $160 million initiative to boost growth and innovation in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Part of the Federal Government’s Trailblazer Program, FaBA leverages $50m of government investment with more than $110m from universities and industry. Partners work across four areas: the research programs ‘Innovative Ingredients’ and ‘Premium Food and Beverage Products’, and the enabling programs ‘Innovation Pathways’ and the ‘FaBA Training Centre’.

A national initiative, FaBA provides F&B manufacturers access to research teams, next generation industry professionals, state-of-the-art equipment and pilot facilities. FaBA is proudly hosted by The University of Queensland, in collaboration with participants QUT, UniSQ and UniQuest.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds... [benefits listed: up to 26 weeks paid parental leave, 17% superannuation, flexible working, etc.]

About You

Essential Criteria (Level A and Level B):

• Completion of a PhD in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, microbial biotechnology or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders...
• [other essentials]

Additional Essential Criteria for Level B:

• [listed]

Desirable Criteria (Level A and Level B):

• [listed]

Additional Desirable Criteria for Level B:

• [listed]

Want to Apply?

To be considered, please ensure you upload: Resume, Cover letter, Responses to the ‘About You’ section.

Applications close 16 March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-57303).