Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Gas Fermentation

• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months

• Base salary will be in the range $80,448.78 - $107,104.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an innovative project focused on transforming methane emissions into valuable resources. The project will involve close collaboration with leading industry partners and offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable climate change mitigation and bioeconomy transition. The successful candidate should have a background in environmental biotechnology or a related discipline and be proficient in multi-omics techniques, bioinformatics, and bioreactor operation, preferably gas fermentation. 

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Contribute to an established research program in gas fermentation, collaborate on research projects, seek and manage research funding, publish in reputable journals, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, supervise research staff, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.

• Citizenship and Service: Contribute to the development of partnerships, demonstrate leadership through collaboration and 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 UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in fields relating to bioengineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline. Previous experience in a similar research role would be considered favourably.

• Extensive expertise or strong interest in microbial biotechnology, particularly fermentation. Experience in bioinformatics, multi-omics data analysis (e.g., genomics, metagenomics), or systems biology is highly desirable.

• Practical experience in bioprocess engineering, including operation of bioreactors, optimization of microbial growth conditions, and management of continuous or batch processes.

• Favourable consideration for experience in laboratory validation, field-based research, or evaluating microbial performance in real-world conditions.

• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a strong aptitude for acquiring new skills and techniques in an interdisciplinary research environment.

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, demonstrated by publications in reputable refereed journals and presentations at conferences.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and work independently to meet research deadlines, with experience in internal service roles or external partnerships considered an asset.

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.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Denys Villa Gomez - d.villagomez@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.
 

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 25 June 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-52892). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late June / early July.