"Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Bioplastics Management"

Job Description

• School of Chemical Engineering – Faculty of EAIT
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position until 28 May 2027
• Base salary will be in the range $82,057.75 - $109,246.18 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity

This is a great opportunity to work alongside Professor Steven Pratt on two Partnership for Australia-Indonesia Research (PAIR) projects and with Emeritus Professor Helen Ross and Professor Steven Pratt on Effecting Change and Sustainability Assessment in the ITTC for Bioplastics and Biocomposites.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Focus on (i) assessment of plastic waste management – and the potential role of bioplastics - for seaweed farming and regional hospitals in Indonesia (PAIR projects), (ii) supporting system-wide assessment of the opportunities and barriers to increasing the flows of bioplastics in the materials system, especially social, business and policy factors and (iii) assessing end-of-life management (specifically composting) of bioplastics.
• Teaching: Participate in undergraduate or postgraduate teaching as required, ensuring high teaching quality through positive student outcomes and feedback, and continuously improving or innovating where appropriate.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise research students (specifically those undertaking coursework thesis projects), supporting their development through feedback and coaching, managing research staff in line with University policies, and resolving conflicts promptly.
• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate UQ values through collaboration and leadership, supporting team operations, contributing to service and committee work, and building external partnerships with industry, government, and the community.

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

About You

• Completion of a PhD in (bio)plastic management / end-of-life of (bio)plastics.
• An emerging profile in research (bio)degradation of (bio)plastics, and / or systems thinking, social or business aspects of (bio)plastics
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and managing projects that engage with community groups.
• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and disseminating outcomes through presentations to stakeholders and / or at conferences.
• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, mandatory immunisations, etc.

Work Rights:

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

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
• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are 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 do not 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 on Monday, 24 November 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-58174).