Senior Research Fellow in Crop Genomics Full-time

Senior Research Fellow

We are looking for a Senior Research Fellow to lead and contribute to high-impact programs in crop genomics and genetic improvement, with a strong focus on cereal crop genomes. You will bring deep genomics expertise to drive gene discovery and develop innovative genomics tools that support researchers and public and private plant breeding programs.

Working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, you will play a key role in the UQ–GRDC Strategic Sorghum Alliance and contribute to initiatives in predictive breeding and genome editing across sorghum, wheat, barley, and selected pulse crops. The role offers opportunities to shape independent research, supervise and mentor students, and provide leadership that delivers real-world agricultural impact.

Key responsibilities will include:

Research

• Lead and deliver high-impact research in crop genomics and genetics, with a focus on cereal and pulse crops relevant to Queensland, applying advanced approaches such as whole-genome sequencing, predictive breeding, and genomics-enabled crop improvement.
• Publish in high-quality journals, present at national and international forums, secure competitive research funding, translate outcomes into practice, and build strong partnerships with industry, government, and producers.

Supervision and Researcher Development

• Supervise HDR students and lead research staff, providing mentoring, performance feedback, training, and support to foster capability development, effective teamwork, and high research standards.

Citizenship and Service

• Contribute academic leadership through mentoring, multidisciplinary collaboration, committee and administrative service, partnership development, and active participation in University life, while upholding University values.

Teaching

• Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching where required, achieving high teaching quality and continuously improving teaching practice in response to student feedback.

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.

A PhD in agricultural science, crop science, biological sciences, genetics and genomics or similar.

Significant post-PhD experience within the grains industry with established trusted networks is desirable.

Expertise in quantitative genetics and predictive breeding, preferably in grain crops. Working in teams to understand and harness genotype x environment x management interactions.

Competency in bioinformatics and computational biology, including the handling of large-scale genomic datasets.

Expertise in the evaluation of novel predictive genomics methods, and experience with whole genome assembly, annotation and comparative genomics, including pan-genomes.

A strong track record of independent and collaborative research, including peer-reviewed publications.

Demonstrated success in securing research funding and delivering research projects on time and within budget.

Demonstrated ability to supervise postgraduate research students and mentor early-career researchers.

Proven ability to engage with industry partners, government agencies, and producers to deliver impactful research.

Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with experience contributing to multidisciplinary research programs.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate research outcomes to diverse audiences.

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.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Ian Godwin, Director Centre for Crop Science i.godwin@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 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.

Applications close Monday March 2nd at 11.00pm AEST (R-60195). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing 16 March 2026.