Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Food Process Technologies

University of Queensland; Hinchinbrook Shire; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 weeks parental leave

17.5% annual leave loading

Flexible working arrangements

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

University of Queensland is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a collaborative project under FaBA. Based at Long Pocket, you will develop processing technologies for novel oilseed ingredients in dairy applications and contribute to industry‑relevant innovation.

The role focuses on research, supervision of HDR students, and building partnerships with industry. Applicants should have a PhD in a related field and an emerging research profile with publications.

Qualifications

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Bioprocessing or closely related discipline.
• Evidence of publications in peer‑reviewed journals and conference presentations.
• Experience supervising Honours or HDR students and working with project staff.
• Ability to contribute to external research funding applications and collaborative projects.
• Capacity to apply research methodologies relevant to food processing and ingredient functionality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to develop and optimise processing technologies for dairy applications using oilseed-derived ingredients.
• Communicate findings through reports, presentations, conferences, and publications; contribute to funding applications.
• Supervise and support Honours and HDR students; collaborate with project staff.
• Engage with industry, government and professional bodies to translate research into impact.

Skills

Research experience

Academic writing

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation - University of Queensland
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position up until 30 June 2028
• Full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $85,372 to $113,659 + 17% super (Academic Level A).
• Based at our Long Pocket location

About This Opportunity

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.

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

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.

Other Information

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.