Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioengineering

Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
The University of Queensland

Job Type: Full-time (100%), Fixed-term up to 2 years
Academic Level: Level A
Salary: $83,698.91 – $111,431.10 plus 17% Superannuation
Location: St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Australia
Application Deadline: 4 March 2026, 11:00 pm AEST
Reference Number: R-60061

About the Opportunity

The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is seeking two Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join a multidisciplinary research team working at the intersection of metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, bioprocessing, and sustainable biotechnology.

These roles offer an excellent opportunity to contribute to high-impact research, collaborate with leading academics and industry partners, and develop your academic career within a globally recognised research environment.

Available Positions

1. Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Pseudomonas Metabolic Engineering and Fermentation Process Development

This role focuses on a collaborative project integrating microbial strain engineering and bioprocess development, with particular emphasis on the metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas putida to convert acetate into valuable bioproducts.

2. Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Synthetic Biology and Strain Engineering (Pseudomonas)

This role contributes to research leveraging Pseudomonas putida as a robust industrial chassis for sustainable bioproduction and bioremediation, using advanced synthetic biology and strain engineering approaches.

Key Responsibilities

Research

• Contribute to established research programs and collaborative projects

• Seek and manage research funding

• Publish in reputable peer-reviewed journals

• Apply best-practice research methodologies

• Participate in project planning and research discussions

Supervision and Researcher Development

• Assist in supervising Higher Degree by Research and Honours students

• Supervise staff and provide training and performance feedback

• Support professional development and resolve workplace issues

Citizenship and Service

• Support partnerships and collaborative initiatives

• Contribute to mentoring, committees, and internal service roles

• Undertake administrative duties as required

• Uphold University values and contribute to a positive workplace culture

These are research-focused positions. Further details are available via UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About You

Essential (Both Roles)

• PhD in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, microbial biotechnology, biochemical engineering, or a related field

• Demonstrated expertise in bacterial genetic engineering (preferably Pseudomonas spp.), including pathway construction, genome editing, and regulatory tuning

• Experience in microbial cultivation and bioprocess development (shake flask to bioreactor)

• Experience interpreting quantitative growth and production data

• Experience with one or more of:

  • Adaptive laboratory evolution

  • High-throughput screening

  • ‘Omics data sampling and analysis

• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, with a publication record commensurate with opportunity

• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to laboratory safety

• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams

Desirable (Both Roles)

• Experience in redox or energy metabolism engineering

• Experience with co-feeding strategies or gaseous substrates

• Experience producing or analysing fatty acids or derivatives (GC, LC, MS)

Additional Desirable – Synthetic Biology Role

• Experience working with complex industrial feedstocks (e.g. molasses, hydrolysates)

• Experience managing inhibitors and feedstock variability

• Experience with immobilised-cell systems

About UQ

The University of Queensland is a Group of Eight institution renowned for research excellence, world-class facilities, and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Staff benefit from:

• Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and grant support

• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid work options

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave

• 17.5% annual leave loading

• Recognition of prior service with Australian universities

• Career progression through the academic promotions framework

Additional Information

Appointment is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including right-to-work verification and role-specific requirements.

Relocation support and employer-sponsored work rights may be available for interstate or international candidates (upfront costs apply).

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter (indicating your preferred position)

• Responses addressing the “About You” section

For accessibility support or alternative application methods, contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Enquiries

Research enquiries:
Dr Birgitta Ebert – birgitta.ebert@uq.edu.au

Application enquiries:
Talent Acquisition Team – talent@uq.edu.au
(Please include reference number R-60061 in the subject line.)

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com