Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Bioinformatics & Research Software Engineering)

University of Queensland; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

26 weeks paid parental leave

17.5% annual leave loading

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

University of Queensland seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Bioinformatics & Research Software Engineering) to lead computational infrastructure for LEARN, transforming omics data into reproducible workflows and models. Join a collaborative environment with biologists and chemists to develop open-source tools for data-driven bioprocess optimization.

The role emphasizes software engineering, pipeline automation, and high-impact publications, with opportunities for mentorship and

Qualifications

• Completion or near completion of a PhD with a substantial software development component.
• Proficiency in Python and software engineering practices (git, testing, packaging, docs).
• Experience building automated, reproducible pipelines (Snakemake, Nextflow, containerisation).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain reproducible computational workflows for fermentation and multi-omics data.
• Collaborate across disciplines and with industry clients to translate complex data into analytical capabilities.
• Supervise and support Honours/HDR student development where appropriate.
• Develop and deploy computational pipelines for phenotypic characterisation and client reporting.

Skills

Python

Software development

Git version control

Snakemake/Nextflow

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in bioinformatics or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Bioinformatics & Research Software Engineering)

Join a focused, collaborative research environment at the forefront of synthetic biology and advanced biomanufacturing. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Integrated Design Environment for Advanced Biomanufacturing (IDEA Bio), you will build and lead computational infrastructure for the LEARN team, transforming fermentation, proteomics, metabolomics and ¹³C-labelling data into reproducible workflows, metabolic models and meaningful visualisations. Working alongside systems biologists, fermentation scientists and analytical chemists, you will help create open-source tools that support data-driven bioprocess optimisation and rational strain design, while contributing to research with direct academic and industry impact.

Key responsibilities

• Research: Design, develop and maintain reproducible computational workflows for fermentation and multi-omics data, including pipelines for genome-scale metabolic reconstruction, curation, quality control, metabolic pathway visualisation and integration with constraint-based models, while contributing to high-quality publications, open-source software and research funding activities.
• Research translation and collaboration: Work across disciplines and with academic and industry clients to translate complex fermentation and 'omics data into robust analytical capability, supporting commercially relevant biomanufacturing and synthetic biology applications.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the effective supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, as appropriate, and support capability-building through feedback, coaching and knowledge sharing.
• Citizenship and Service: Develop and deploy computational pipelines that support in-depth phenotypic characterisation and timely client reporting, while contributing to partnerships, internal service activities and a collaborative culture aligned with UQ values.

About You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, metabolic engineering or a related field, with a substantial software development component.
• A working understanding of metabolism and metabolic pathways, with the capability to build, test and validate metabolic reconstruction and visualisation tools.
• Demonstrated experience developing software tools for biological data analysis, supported by evidence such as public code repositories, released packages or software publications.
• Proficiency in Python or a comparable language, together with sound software engineering practices including git version control, automated testing, packaging and documentation.
• Demonstrated experience building automated and reproducible computational pipelines that can be maintained and used by others, using approaches such as Snakemake, Nextflow, containerisation or equivalent technologies.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed research publications, together with strong organisational and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary environments, supported by strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• An agile and adaptable approach, with the ability to independently identify challenges in 'omics data analysis and develop bespoke solutions. Experience with constraint-based modelling, genome-scale reconstruction, metabolic pathway visualisation, biological databases, cloud or HPC environments, research data systems or ¹³C metabolic flux analysis would be highly regarded.

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. 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, access to exclusive internal‑only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

Other Information

Pre‑employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, 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, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We're also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [e-mail] or calling [phone].

Applications close 3 December 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-69889). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for early December 2026.