"Postdoctoral Research Fellows"

We are seeking two Postdoctoral Research Fellows to conduct research into biopolymer films and composite materials. The project is supported by the Australian Research Council Linkage Project “Chemical and mechanical modification of starch-based packaging materials” in partnership with Intertape Polymer Group, USA.

Both positions will be formally appointed through the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN); with one Postdoctoral Research Fellow based at AIBN, while the other will work primarily with the collaborating chief investigators at The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).

This is a unique opportunity for you to focus your efforts on developing your expertise and emerging research profile in advanced polymer chemistry in an exciting industry. At this level it is expected that you will also contribute to service and engagement roles and activities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Conduct research into the morphology of starch-based films and composite films; produce quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high quality outlets; work to support and develop joint research projects and participate in applications for competitive research funding; contribute to progressing towards transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to research end users through translation, including commercialisation of UQ intellectual property; develop a coherent research program and an emerging research profile; review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, supervise 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 You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in the field of polymer chemistry/physics/engineering.
• Experience in polymer physical chemistry or engineering including biopolymers.
• Expertise in polymer characterisation including NMR, SEC, high-resolution electron microscopy, X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS), AFM, XPS and other characterisation methods.
• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• High level of inter-personal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.
• 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, education check etc.

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.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Andrew Whittaker at a.whittaker@uq.edu.au.

To apply, upload your resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section. Applications close on 24 August 2025.