"Research Assistant"

Job Description:

• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation / Centre for Crop Science
• Casual position with an hourly rate in the range of $50.24 to $53.27, plus superannuation of 12% (HEW Level 4)
• Flexible casual arrangements up to 25 hours/week
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

We’re looking for a curious, analytical and impact-driven Research Assistant to join our collaborative team developing techno-economic analysis (TEA) frameworks for emerging precision-fermentation technologies. In this role, you will help shape the future of sustainable dairy by assessing how precision-fermented milk proteins can integrate with Australia’s existing dairy infrastructure.

You’ll work at the intersection of economics, engineering and sustainability—evaluating feedstock viability, scale-up pathways, market volatility, carbon-pricing impacts and co-product valorisation within circular-economy models. Your insights will directly inform real-world decision-making, guiding industry partners and researchers towards commercially viable and environmentally responsible solutions.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Build and maintain TEA models for standalone and integrated precision-fermentation scenarios, including CAPEX/OPEX breakdowns and MPSP/IRR calculations
• Analyse feedstock options (sugar, whey, bagasse, gas, cell-based vs cell-free processes) across production scales; normalise costs and prepare clear comparison tables and figures
• Conduct capacity and scale-exponent assessments; identify competitiveness thresholds and generate tornado/sensitivity charts
• Evaluate co-product valorisation opportunities and integrate credits/avoided costs into TEA frameworks

About You

• Degree in Chemical/Bioprocess Engineering, Food Science, Agricultural/Resource Economics, Industrial Engineering, or another quantitative discipline
• Combinations of two or more of the above domain areas are highly valued
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with confidence using spreadsheets and/or coding for analysis
• Experience with process modelling and TEA tools (e.g., SuperPro, discounted-cash-flow modelling, bioprocess modelling, production economics, cost–benefit analysis)
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication tailored to technical audiences
• A genuine interest in applying TEA to agricultural, food, fuel and high-value science research
• Availability to commence in January 2026

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks including, right to work in Australia.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Sudhir Yadav at sudhir.yadav@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:

• Cover letter briefly outlines one example of a quantitative analysis you’ve done and the tools you used.
• Resume

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. 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

As a casual employee, and in line with Fair Work, please note that there is no commitment to ongoing work in this position.

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 Sunday 1st February 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-58838).

Please note applications will be reviewed as they are received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the closing date. We encourage early applications, as the University of Queensland reserves the right to close this process early.