Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Synthetic Biology and Strain Engineering (FaBA)

• IDEA bio based at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term lab-based position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $82,057.75 - $109,246.18 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

The Australian Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), led by The University of Queensland, is a national initiative that accelerates growth in Australia’s food and beverage sector through industry-research partnerships, advanced manufacturing, and training the next generation of agri-food innovators.

We are pleased to announce a FaBA-Cauldron industry project based at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), UQ. AIBN is now seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join this industry-partnered project in synthetic biology and precision fermentation. In this role, you will contribute to the development of engineered microbial systems using advanced synthetic biology tools. Working with cutting-edge yeast platforms, you will investigate the homogeneity and population dynamics of engineered yeast such as Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris) in the fermentation bioprocess. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a world-leading team at the forefront of industrial biotechnology, working at the interface of academic research and commercial translation.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Core Scientific

• Apply genome editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) and modular cloning techniques to engineer yeast strains.
• Design engineered yeast to track cell cycle and productivity in the fermentation bioprocess.
• Validate engineered strains through molecular, biochemical, and omics analyses.
• Mentor students and contribute to high-impact publications.
• Deliver experiment results or report to our industrial partner regularly.

General

• Assist, support the project leader to maintain the day-to-day activities and operations of the team
• Perform other duties as reasonably directed by the project leader

Safety

• Ensure a high standard of occupational health and safety standards and systems, including inductions, supervision, equipment training registers, administration of research Facilities, Inventories, reporting and investigating injuries, incidents and hazards. 
• Assist with developing a proactive safety culture and implement continuous improvement. 

Leadership and management

• Undertake supervisory duties in accordance with 'Supervisor' level requirements and the UQ Leadership framework
• Support and/or lead the development of more junior research engineers, scientists, and technicians
• Promptly resolve conflicts and grievances when they arise in accordance with University policy and procedures.
• Contributes to research outputs, joint preparation, and authorship of reports/manuscripts.
• Other duties, as reasonable directed by the supervisor

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

About UQ

Join UQ, a globally renowned institution fostering a vibrant academic community. Collaborate with brilliant minds from around the world in an interdisciplinary environment. Backed by world-class facilities, ample research funding, grant writing support, and post-fellowship contracts via our UQ Amplify initiative, UQ empowers research excellence. With a large PhD enrolment and commitment to accessibility, be part of a prestigious institution that empowers academics to thrive and make a lasting impact.

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 the Food and Beverage Accelerator

Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) is a $160 million initiative to boost growth and innovation in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Part of the Federal Government’s Trailblazer Program, FaBA leverages $50m of government investment with more than $110m from universities and industry. Partners work across four areas: the research programs ‘Innovative Ingredients’ and ‘Premium Food and Beverage Products’, and the enabling programs ‘Innovation Pathways’ and the ‘FaBA Training Centre’.

A national initiative, FaBA provides F&B manufacturers access to research teams, next generation industry professionals, state-of-the-art equipment and pilot facilities. FaBA is proudly hosted by The University of Queensland, in collaboration with participants QUT, UniSQ and UniQuest.

About You  

• PhD in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in microbial strain engineering.
• Demonstrated experience with cloning, genome editing, and pathway optimisation.
• Familiarity with design-build-test-learn (DBTL) workflows.
• Strong collaborative and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on experience in the cultivation of microbial systems and basic kinetic characterisation

Desirable

• Evidence of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Knowledge in bioprocess development and fermentation strategies.
• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding
• Knowledge on a coding language (Phyton, etc)

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, conduct concerning gender-based violence, education check, mandatory immunisations etc. 

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.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Huadong Peng, huadong.peng@uq.edu.au; Dr Axa Gonzalez Garcia, r.gonzalezgarcia@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'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.

Other Information 

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 11 January 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-59786). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid-January.