• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $119,462.94 - $141,545.09 + 17% super (Academic Level B)
• Based at our vibrant St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

Join a visionary and collaborative research team advancing sustainable bioprocessing through synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. Working within the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, you will develop innovative microbial and yeast engineering approaches for gas fermentation and biomanufacturing, drawing on advanced research capabilities and international collaborations to help translate ambitious ideas into meaningful impact.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Establish and contribute to an innovative research program in gas fermentation, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering and sustainable bioprocessing, applying rigorous research methodologies and collaborating on multidisciplinary projects.

• Research Translation and Impact: Produce high-quality research outputs, contribute to funding applications, communicate findings through reputable peer-reviewed publications and support the translation of research into practical biomanufacturing outcomes.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to postgraduate research supervision, support the development of students and researchers, and foster a safe, inclusive and intellectually stimulating research culture.

• Citizenship and Service: Build productive partnerships, contribute to Institute and University activities, support colleagues through mentoring and collaboration, and uphold UQ’s values and responsible research practices.

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

About You 

You will have:

• A PhD in Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology or a closely related discipline. 
• Demonstrated research experience in microbial engineering, fermentation, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, systems biology, or industrial biotechnology. 
• Strong publication record relative to opportunity in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. 
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, strain engineering, genetic manipulation and pathway optimisation. 
• Experience conducting microbial cultivation and fermentation experiments. 
• Demonstrated ability to analyse, interpret and communicate scientific data. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and within collaborative research environments.

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. 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, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Sally Yukiko [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Other Information 

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

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.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close 7 October 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-69606).