Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sorghum Genetics

About This Opportunity

This research-focused role offers the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant, industry-connected research that addresses critical challenges in grain crop productivity and drought resilience. Working within QAAFI, you will join a collaborative research environment, partnering with leading crop scientists, breeders, agronomists and data specialists across Australia and internationally. Your work will directly support innovation in phenomics, genetics and crop physiology, translating discovery into practical outcomes for agriculture.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Designing and delivering high-quality research investigating the genetic and physiological basis of functional root traits in wheat and sorghum
• Contributing to the design, implementation and coordination of large-scale, multi-site field experiments across diverse environments
• Analysing complex phenotypic, genomic and environmental datasets using advanced statistical and quantitative genetic approaches
• Collaborating with industry and research partners to assess the agronomic relevance and breeding value of root traits

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

About You

• Completion (or near completion) of a PhD in plant genetics, plant breeding or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in field-based plant research relevant to crop improvement
• Proven capability in analysing complex biological datasets using advanced statistical or quantitative methods
• Experience in crop physiology and phenotyping
• Evidence of contributing to high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple research activities and meet project milestones
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• A strong commitment to research integrity, data management and collaborative ways of working

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will work alongside world-leading researchers in an environment that values curiosity, collaboration and impact. UQ provides access to outstanding research infrastructure, interdisciplinary networks and strong industry and government partnerships that support ambitious, purpose-driven research.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Emma Mace at emma.mace@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, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information

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

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

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 criteria 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 Thursday 28 May 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-63802).