"Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer"

Job Description:

• Institute for Molecular Bioscience
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months
• Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer to build their expertise and research profile in solar biotechnology, with a strong focus on microalgae biotechnology and cultivation systems.

As part of UQ’s Centre for Solar Biotechnology, you’ll support high‑quality, impact‑driven research advancing microalgae‑based solar biomanufacturing. The role builds upon strong laboratory and technical foundations in microalgae cultivation and process scale‑up, increasing responsibility for research planning, pilot‑scale operations, supervision, and collaboration with research and industry partners.

You’ll work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and contribute to translating research into practical industrial and commercial applications.

Key responsibilities will include:

Research:

• Conduct high‑quality research in microalgae and solar biotechnology.
• Plan, design, and run lab‑ and pilot‑scale experiments, including accurate data collection and analysis.
• Prepare strong research outputs such as publications, technical reports, and presentations.
• Contribute to research development, including grant applications and proposals.
• Operate, manage, and optimise pilot‑plant microalgae cultivation systems for performance and reliability.
• Maintain laboratory and pilot‑plant infrastructure in line with WHS, QA, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate on joint research projects and competitive funding applications.
• Support research translation and knowledge transfer, including commercialisation where appropriate.
• Build a coherent research program aligned with the Centre’s strategic priorities.
• Apply best‑practice methodologies for microalgae cultivation, bioprocessing, and solar biotechnology.

Supervision and Researcher Development:

• Support the supervision and day‑to‑day guidance of students, research assistants, and junior staff in lab and pilot plant activities.
• Help build research and technical capability within the Centre by developing experimental and operational skills.
• Provide effective supervision through regular feedback, mentoring, and professional development support.
• Manage research support staff in line with University policies and procedures, where appropriate.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive research culture by addressing conflict or grievances promptly and in accordance with University policy.

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 You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in Solar Biotechnology.
• An emerging profile in research in the Solar Biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on Microalgae Biotechnology and Cultivation Systems.
• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.
• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, 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.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Juliane Wolf | Manager, Centre for Solar Biotechnology Pilot Plant at j.wolf@uq.edu.au or Professor Ben Hankamer | Director, Centre for Solar Biotechnology at b.hankamer@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 responding 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, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. 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 3 April 2026, 11.00pm AEST (R-61814).