Postdoctoral Research Fellow Full-time

AIBN Research Position

Join a visionary and collaborative research environment at AIBN, where you will contribute to pioneering advances in nanobiomaterials and diagnostic technologies for biomedical applications.

Working within an ambitious, multidisciplinary team, you will help develop innovative nanotechnology-enabled diagnostic platforms for the sensitive detection of disease biomarkers, with particular emphasis on cancer diagnostics, liquid biopsy, extracellular vesicles, nucleic acids, and point-of-care testing.

The research combines advanced nanomaterials engineering, biosensing, biointerface design, and translational bioengineering to address unmet clinical needs. This is an exciting opportunity to translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact alongside leading researchers, clinicians, and industry partners.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Design, synthesize, and characterize functional nanomaterials and nanobiomaterials for diagnostic applications.
• Develop and optimize biosensing and bioanalytical platforms using nanotechnology-enabled signal transduction mechanisms.
• Conduct experimental studies involving biomolecular recognition, surface functionalization, and assay development.
• Develop and evaluate diagnostic technologies for detecting clinically relevant biomarkers in biological and clinical samples.
• Perform data analysis, statistical evaluation, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Collaborate on research projects, seek and manage research funding, publish in reputable journals, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.
• Publish research findings in high-impact international journals and present results at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to the preparation of competitive grant applications, project reports, and intellectual property disclosures.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, chemistry, biomedical sciences, and clinical disciplines.

Supervision and researcher development: Assist in the supervision and mentoring of postgraduate and honours students; support laboratory operations and contribute to maintaining a safe and productive research environment; resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.

Citizenship and service: Collaborate and develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.

About you:

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in nanotechnology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, materials science, chemistry, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in nanomaterials, nanobiotechnology, biosensing, biointerfaces, or diagnostic technologies.
• A strong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals relative to opportunity.
• Experience in one or more relevant technical areas such as:
• Nanomaterials synthesis and characterization
• Plasmonics and optical biosensing
• Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)
• Electrochemical biosensors
• Biofunctionalization and surface chemistry
• Microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies
• Biomarker detection and bioassay development
• Strong analytical thinking, experimental design capability, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable:

• Experience in extracellular vesicle (EV), exosome, circulating nucleic acid, or liquid biopsy research.
• Experience working with clinical samples and translational biomedical research.
• Knowledge of cancer diagnostics and biomarker discovery.
• Experience with technology translation, intellectual property generation, or industry engagement.
• Previous experience supervising students or junior researchers.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Yusuke Yamauchi – y.yamauchi@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.

When you apply, please upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the 'About You' section.

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

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 talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Thursday 2 July 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-66244)