"Research Fellow (Sugarcane Genetics and Genomics)"

Job Description

• 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

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

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.