Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer – Solar Biotechnology Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer to build their expertise and research profile in solar biotechnology, with a strong focus on microalgae biotechnology and cultivation systems.

As part of UQ's Centre for Solar Biotechnology, you'll support high-quality, impact-driven research advancing microalgae-based solar biomanufacturing. The role builds upon strong laboratory and technical foundations in microalgae cultivation and process scale-up, increasing responsibility for research planning, pilot-scale operations, supervision, and collaboration with research and industry partners.

You'll work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and contribute to translating research into practical industrial and commercial applications.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Conduct high-quality research in microalgae and solar biotechnology.
• Plan, design, and run lab- and pilot-scale experiments, including accurate data collection and analysis.
• Prepare strong research outputs such as publications, technical reports, and presentations.
• Contribute to research development, including grant applications and proposals.
• Operate, manage, and optimize pilot-plant microalgae cultivation systems for performance and reliability.
• Maintain laboratory and pilot-plant infrastructure in line with WHS, QA, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate on joint research projects and competitive funding applications.
• Support research translation and knowledge transfer, including commercialization where appropriate.
• Build a coherent research program aligned with the Centre's strategic priorities.
• Apply best-practice methodologies for microalgae cultivation, bioprocessing, and solar biotechnology.

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

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.

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 Solar Biotechnology.

An emerging profile in research in the Solar Biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on Microalgae Biotechnology and Cultivation Systems.

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

Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.

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

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. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Juliane Wolf | Manager, Centre for Solar Biotechnology Pilot Plant at j.wolf@uq.edu.au or Professor Ben Hankamer | Director, Centre for Solar Biotechnology at b.hankamer@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.

Our strength 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, 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 recognizes 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.

Applications close Friday 3 April 2026, 11.00pm AEST (R-61814).