Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer in Food Structure, Processing and Properties

FaBA - Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer in Food Structure, Processing and Properties

Locations: St Lucia Campus

Time Type: Full time

Posted On: Posted 4 Days Ago

Job Requisition ID: R-42902

Food and Beverage Accelerator Program: Based in the School of Chemical Engineering

Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 31 December 2026

Base salary will be in the range $78,871.35 - $105,004.02 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

Join our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer you will focus on developing suitable characterisation methods and models for food and beverages, applying chemical engineering principles in transport of momentum, mass and heat that underpins processing and consumption.

This role includes developing and applying methods to assist development of innovative food composites, gels and suspensions using plant-based ingredients, structural analysis, rheology, colloid and interfacial science, and biochemistry.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Research
  Advance technical expertise in characterising the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of food, beverages, and their ingredients, with a focus on food microstructures like composite soft materials and complex fluids.


• Conduct innovative research, develop intellectual property, and engage with industry to commercialise research outcomes, while collaborating on competitive funding applications and joint projects with colleagues.


• Produce high-quality research outputs by publishing in respected journals and presenting at conferences, with a lead role in some outputs, while actively seeking and managing research funding.


• Apply best-practice research methodologies and contribute to the translation and commercialisation of research knowledge and technology to end users.

• Supervision and Researcher Development
  Provide technical advice, research support, and effective supervision to undergraduate and postgraduate students, with a proven track record of guiding Honours and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students.


• Foster researcher development by offering feedback, coaching, and professional growth opportunities, while facilitating engagement and collaboration for HDR supervisees.


• Proactively address and resolve conflicts or grievances in accordance with University policies, ensuring a positive and constructive academic environment.

• Citizenship and Service
  Collaborate with senior academic staff, manage internal service roles, and contribute to decision-making processes, including participation on committees and external service activities.


• Build strong connections with industry partners, government bodies, sponsors, and academic experts, while attending workshops, conferences, and meetings to present research.


• Demonstrate leadership through mentoring, collaboration, and active participation in unit activities, while upholding values aligned with the institution.

• Teaching
  Where undergraduate teaching is undertaken achieve teaching quality as indicated by approved surveys and outcomes for students and improve or innovate where appropriate in response to feedback.

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 Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Biochemistry, Colloid and Interface Science, or Food Science.


• An emerging profile in research in the discipline area.


• Evidence of knowledge or experience in relevant areas such as: (a) soft material characterisation e.g. rheology, tribology, microscopy, scattering techniques, surface/interfacial analysis; (b) food manufacturing processes such as extrusion, homogenization, downstream-processing; or bio-processes such as oral and digestive processing; (c) techno-functionality of ingredients in food and beverages, such as hydrocolloids, biopolymers, proteins, mucilage, starch, grains and plant cells.


• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.


• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding and/or engagement with industry.


• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, mandatory immunisations, etc.

Work Rights:

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Jason Stokes via jason.stokes@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 are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Wednesday, 16 October 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-42902).

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