About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to develop your expertise and emerging research profile in polymer science/engineering. You will work with Professor Bronwyn Laycock on delivering against the research program of the Zero Net Emissions CRC project on Functional biopolymer products for very low methane emissions from ruminants, project number 2030. You will focus on the design and manufacture of novel biopolymer-based composites for controlled release of active agents, produced through extrusion and reactive extrusion processes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Focus on developing melt-based biodegradable composites using extrusion techniques, tailoring material properties for controlled release, and conducting advanced characterisation. This involves supporting translation to in-vivo studies, publishing high-quality research, contributing to funding applications, collaborating on joint projects, and advancing material commercialisation while building a strong research profile.
• 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, 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 or near completion of a PhD in polymer science or engineering, preferably with a focus on polymer chemistries.
• An emerging profile in research in polymer science/engineering.
• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Evidence of practical laboratory skills in polymer extrusion, reactive extrusion and polymer modification.
• Evidence of advanced analytical skills relevant to polymer science/engineering, such as GPC, DSC, micro-CT tomography, SEM, TEM, Raman imaging, NMR analysis.
• 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.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Bronwyn Laycock via b.laycock@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
• 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-57717).