Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation / Centre for Crop Science
Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 2 years
Base salary will be in the range $82,057- $109,246 p.a. plus 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
Based at our St Lucia location
The University of Queensland’s Centre for Crop Science is seeking a motivated and collaborative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Sorghum Strategic Alliance, a major partnership between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and UQ. This position will contribute to a new 4.5 year research initiative “Super sorghum – unlocking improved yield potential in sorghum,” conducted in collaboration with leading seed companies and research institutes.
In this role, you will be part of a dynamic, collaborative and multidisciplinary team working to uncover the genetic foundations of yield potential in sorghum. Our research group offers a positive working environment and strong opportunities for cross-disciplinary engagement. Your research will centre on gene discovery, mapping, and characterisation of novel genetic mutations, using cutting-edge approaches in applied plant genomics and biotechnology. You will integrate bioinformatic tools, laboratory research, glasshouse experimentation, and field trial work to identify and validate genes associated with grain yield, plant biomass, and other key traits — including the analysis of novel proprietary mutations.
The position also offers the opportunity to collaborate directly with industry research partners, ensuring that scientific discoveries progress toward meaningful, applied outcomes for Australian grain production.
Key responsibilities will include:
Research: Establish a research program, collaborate on research projects, develop an emerging research profile, publish in reputable journals, utilise best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Support and supervise students and facilitate engagement opportunities for HDR students. Contribute to the development of research staff, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts and foster a positive research environment.
Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate UQ values through active participation in in internal service roles and committees, build external relationships with industry research partners, perform administrative functions, and provide support to colleagues.
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.
Completion or near completion of a PhD in genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field relevant to genetic mapping; or completion of a Diploma with relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
Experience with genomic data (e.g. DNA/RNA sequencing and analysis) and experience with genetic mapping or genetic variant analysis will be highly regarded (e.g. bulked segregant analysis, mapping population design, whole genome sequencing, long-read sequencing)
Experience with R, Python, or equivalent programming language for genomic analysis is essential.
Demonstrated excellence in practical research skills and experience in relevant research methodology or techniques such as experience in DNA extraction, RNA extraction PCR.
Well-organised, methodical, self-motivated, problem-solving, and ability to work independently on routine procedures while also collaborate effectively within diverse teams.
A developing reputation and track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
Contribute to progression of knowledge, technology, and practices to research end users and industry partners, including commercialisation of UQ intellectual properties.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and education check.
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 Dr Guoquan Liu g.liu2@uq.edu.au and Professor Ian Godwin (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.
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'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. 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 Sunday 1 February 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-58394).