"Senior Research Assistant"

Job Description:

• School of Chemical Engineering – Faculty of EAIT
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position up to 31 December 2026
• Base salary will be in the range $93,491.78 - $100,296.98 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Based at St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Research Assistant that will provide technical research support and subject matter expertise, ensuring high-quality research outcomes across all stages of the research life-cycle while contributing to the establishment of a new research capability in food extrusion. This role is part of the Premium Foods and Beverages program within the prestigious Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), offering the opportunity to work at the forefront of food extrusion research, driving innovation in sustainable and functional food production.

You will be assisting extrusion-based research projects, to develop state-of-the-art experimental capabilities in food structure design and optimising process technologies to convert plant and other protein sources into functional human foods.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Undertakes advanced research and contributes to extrusion research projects within the FaBA Trailblazer initiative.
• Supports the development and execution of food extrusion projects.
• Applies specialist technical research skills, maintaining accurate experimental records and delivering high-quality research outputs.
• Assists in preparing reports, graphs, figures, and presentations to communicate research outcomes.
• Contributes to training new users in the operation of UQ’s food extruders and laboratory facilities.
• You will also contribute to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies, and protocols, while maintaining high standards of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage, and chemical/sample inventory management.

About the Food and Beverage Accelerator

Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) is a $160 million initiative to boost growth and innovation in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Part of the Federal Government’s Trailblazer Program, FaBA leverages $50m of government investment with more than $110m from universities and industry. Partners work across four areas: the research programs ‘Innovative Ingredients’ and ‘Premium Food and Beverage Products’, and the enabling programs ‘Innovation Pathways’ and the ‘FaBA Training Centre’.

A national initiative, FaBA provides F&B manufacturers access to research teams, next generation industry professionals, state-of-the-art equipment and pilot facilities. FaBA is proudly hosted by The University of Queensland, in collaboration with participants QUT, UniSQ and UniQuest.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• 17% superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
• On campus childcare options
• Cheap parking (from just $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Completion of a degree in Chemical/Food/Materials Engineering, with subsequent experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
• Excellent practical research skills, including demonstrated ability to plan and conduct experimental research, develop standard operating procedures, carry out risk assessments, labelling and waste disposal.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced food or biomaterials characterisation, as well as accurate data acquisition, processing, analysis, and presentation.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in extrusion processing, with a prior experience operating a twin-screw extruder for biomaterials or food-related applications being highly desirable.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills, with an ability to forward plan, prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and work with a high level of adaptability across different projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under broad direction, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate and detailed records within a research or technical environment.

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks including, Right to Work in Australia, criminal history and education checks.

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 Dr Samira Siyamak via s.siyamak@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
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with 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 on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-55969).