Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Food Process Technologies

University of Queensland; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 weeks paid parental leave

17.5% annual leave loading

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

University of Queensland invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance an industry‑funded project focused on oilseed-derived ingredients for dairy uses. The role blends university research with industry impact and funding opportunities to strengthen your research profile.

You will investigate processing technologies, publish results, and engage with partners to drive knowledge transfer and potential commercialisation.

Qualifications

• PhD completion or near completion in relevant field.
• Evidence of publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Experience communicating results at conferences or to stakeholders.
• Experience securing external research funding and collaborating on projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and optimize processing technologies for dairy applications.
• Publish findings in reports, conferences and journals; contribute to grant applications.
• Supervise Honours and HDR students and mentor research staff.
• Collaborate with industry and university teams to translate research into practical solutions.

Skills

Research skills

Academic writing

Public speaking

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Food Science or related

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a collaborative, industry-focused research project supported by the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA). Working alongside industry and research partners, you will develop innovative processing technologies to enhance the functionality of novel oilseed-derived ingredients for dairy applications. This role offers an opportunity to build your expertise, contribute to industry-relevant innovation and develop your research profile.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Investigate and optimise processing technologies, communicate findings through reports, presentations, conferences and peer-reviewed publications, and contribute to research funding applications.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Support the supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students and work collaboratively with project research staff.
• Citizenship and Service: Contribute to team priorities, University service and productive relationships with industry, government, professional bodies and the wider community.
• Collaboration and Impact: Work with research and industry partners to translate high-quality research into solutions with potential for industry adoption and commercialisation.

About You:

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Bioprocessing or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in dairy science, plant proteins or protein functionality for food applications.
• An emerging research profile in food science, food processing or a closely related discipline.
• Evidence of research publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals and experience presenting research outcomes at conferences or to relevant stakeholders.
• Evidence of contributing to external research funding applications and collaborative research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to apply and critically evaluate research methodologies relevant to food processing, ingredient functionality, quality and stability.
• Capacity to contribute to student supervision, researcher development and multidisciplinary or industry-engaged research.
• Ability to build productive relationships with colleagues, industry partners and other stakeholders.

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.

Pre‑employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, professional registration (e.g. AHPRA), criminal history checks, mandatory immunisations, First Aid and/or CPR certification, and Blue Card checks. This may also include checks relating to gender‑based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

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.

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 Thursday 3 December 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-70427). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Friday 11 December 2026.