Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer – electrochemical and biological conversion of carbon dioxide Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer within the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB) to conduct experimental studies on electrochemical and biological conversion of carbon dioxide and syngas into liquid chemicals. You will undertake fundamental and applied research with a dynamic team developing innovative electrochemically assisted fermentation technologies for carbon utilisation, work that has the potential to transform how we address climate change through sustainable chemical production.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: You will conduct experimental research on electrochemical and biological catalysts for carbon dioxide and syngas conversion into liquid chemicals. This will include developing and optimising catalysts; designing, operating, and maintaining laboratory-scale electrochemical and biological reactors; and managing projects, reporting, and research dissemination. This includes mentoring, contributing to funding and collaborations, and advancing knowledge transfer through best-practice research.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Effectively supervising Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, supporting researcher development, managing research support staff, and addressing performance issues or conflicts in line with University policies.
• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrating citizenship aligned with UQ values through collaboration, support of unit operations, service and governance contributions, and the development of external partnerships with industry, government, and the community.

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

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

About You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in electrocatalytic processes (CO₂ reduction and hydrogen generation) and bioprocess engineering (fermentation technology).
• Strong research track record, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and technical reports for industry.
• Evidence of contributions to external research funding through grant writing and proposal development.
• Experience in teaching, mentorship, and supporting undergraduate and postgraduate student development.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-disciplinary research teams.
• Demonstrated organisational, time-management, and goal-setting skills, with capacity to build academic and industry partnerships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in service roles and knowledge transfer to industry or practical applications.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated skills in the development, independent design, planning, technical management and successful execution of research projects.
• Experience in project management, including managing research projects from conception to completion and reporting to funding bodies and stakeholders.
• Experience with technology commercialisation, patents, or industry collaboration initiatives.
• Conflict resolution skills and ability to manage research staff and address challenges in line with university policies.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and other role-specific requirements such as mandatory immunisations. 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.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Bernardino Virdis via b.virdis@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.

Want to Apply?

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 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, particularly from Australia's First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

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 do not 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 on Monday, 16 March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60836).