"Research Fellow in Sugarcane Genetics and Genomics"

• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation | Centre for Crop Science
• Part-time (60%) fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $117,120.53 - $138,769.70 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level B)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

We’re looking for a Research Fellow to join QAAFI Centre for Crop Science and advance sugarcane genetics and genomics research. You’ll lead the creation of a comprehensive Sugarcane website, hosting key genetic and genomic data to support Australian breeders and researchers.

This role offers hands-on experience in bioinformatics, programming, and large-scale data mining, within a collaborative, high-performance research environment. You’ll also contribute to service and engagement activities, helping drive innovation and impact in the sugarcane industry.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Lead and contribute to high-impact sugarcane genetics and genomics research, developing tools and resources (including a dedicated website) to support Australian researchers and breeders, produce publications, and secure competitive funding.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise and mentor HDR and Honours students, develop researcher capability, and manage staff performance and professional development in line with University policies.
• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate UQ values through leadership, collaboration, and engagement in internal and external activities, including committees, operational support, and building partnerships with industry, government, and the wider community.

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

About You

• Completion of a PhD in plant biology with an extensive background in genomics
• Extensive skills in bioinformatics analysis including tools for displaying genomic features in web applications and experience in high performance computing environments and large data mining
• Extensive skills in bash and script (Perl) programming and debugging complex scripts
• Development and maintenance of web genome applications displaying genome features (Gbrowse, JBrowse)
• A developing reputation and track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Evidence of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing external research funding.
• A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion.
• Experience in meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, conduct concerning gender-based violence, and education check.

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 Dr Karen Aitken at karen.aitken@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'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

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 February 1st 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-58853).

*Applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. The University of Queensland reserves the right to close this application process early.*