FABA Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer – Precision fermentation
Locations: St Lucia Campus
Time Type: Full time
Posted On: Posted Yesterday
Job Requisition ID: R-43407
Food and Beverage Accelerator Program: Based in the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
Position: Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to June 2026
Base Salary: $78,871.35 - $105,004.02 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
About This Opportunity
In this role, you will seek to evaluate the technical feasibility of integrating precision fermentation into current dairy infrastructure. This research is in collaboration with Fonterra, one of Australia's largest dairy manufacturers, and its Research and Development Centre (FRDC) in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
This project will investigate the technical and economic feasibility of using underutilised assets from the seasonal dairy industry, such as in Australia and New Zealand, for post-fermentation processing of precision fermentation products, potentially providing a cost-effective scale pathway for the technology and bridging the scale gap. This will include evaluating the utilisation and recycling of side streams from both fermentation and dairy processing. This role would suit researchers with experience in (precision) fermentation, bioprocess engineering, techno-economic and life cycle analysis.
Key Responsibilities will include:
- Research
- Design and implement fermentation and product purification strategies.
- Quantitatively assess product purification from fermentation broth.
- Evaluate and optimize the reuse of side and waste streams.
- Conduct techno-economic analyses.
- Contribute to progressing towards transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to research end users through translation.
- Produce quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high quality outlets.
- Collaborate with colleagues on joint research projects and funding applications.
- Apply and refine best practice research methodologies.
Supervision and Researcher Development:
- Supervise Higher Degree students, recruit and manage employees, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.
Citizenship and Service:
- Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through 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
Join UQ, a globally renowned institution fostering a vibrant academic community. Collaborate with brilliant minds from around the world in an interdisciplinary environment. Backed by world-class facilities, ample research funding, grant writing support, and post-fellowship contracts via our UQ Amplify initiative, UQ empowers research excellence. With a large PhD enrolment and commitment to accessibility, be part of a prestigious institution that empowers academics to thrive and make a lasting impact.
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 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.
About You
- Completion or near completion of a PhD in the discipline area, such as (bio-)chemical engineering, biotechnology, dairy or protein science.
- Evidence of knowledge or experience in areas such as: (a) microbial fermentation, bioprocess development including downstream processing; (b) techno-economic or life cycle analyses; and/or (c) dairy science and processing.
- An emerging profile in research in the discipline area.
- Experience collaborating with industry partners and external stakeholders.
- Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
- Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check etc.
Work Rights:
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Birgitta Ebert at birgitta.ebert@uq.edu.au.
For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Responses to the ‘About You’ section
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.
We know one of our strengths 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. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close: 7 October 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-43407). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for October.
