Scientific Officer, Fermentation

The University of Queensland; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

17% super

Leave loading

Flexible working options

Wellbeing programs

Study for Staff

On-campus childcare

Salary packaging

Job summary

IDEA Bio at The University of Queensland is seeking a technical research support role to advance fermentation strategies and bioprocess development. Based at the St Lucia Campus, you will work closely with a senior fermentation engineer to implement experiments and refine workflows in a lab-focused environment.

You will engage in literature reviews, prepare technical reports and figures, and support client engagement and facility administration, contributing to sustainable biomanufacturing

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in biotechnology, chemical engineering or biochemical engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with instrumented bioreactors and bioprocess equipment.
• Experience cultivating microorganisms and performing standard growth kinetics.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating bioreactor preparation and operations, including setting up equipment, formulating growth media and using specialist instrumentation for the growth and propagation of microorganisms.
• Supporting the design and delivery of complex experiments and fermentation strategies for IDEA Bio framework projects and collaborative programs.
• Troubleshooting, maintaining and supporting the safe, efficient operation of scientific equipment, laboratory facilities, methodologies and protocols.
• Undertaking literature reviews, preparing reports, graphs, figures and presentations, and supporting client engagement and the day-to-day administration of the facility.

Skills

Bioreactor handling

Bioprocess methods

Laboratory techniques

Communication skills

Education

Biotechnology/ Chemical/ Biochemical engineering degree

Tools

Instrumented bioreactors

Bioprocess equipment

Job description

Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up 12 months Base salary will be in the range $85,451.97 - $94,983.84 + 17% super (HEW Level 5) Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

Join IDEA Bio and work in an experienced and collaborative research team, where you will provide technical research support and specialist expertise across the bioprocess development lifecycle. Primarily laboratory based, you will work closely with a senior fermentation engineer to assist in the implementation of fermentation strategies to better characterised microbial strains and support the development of fermentation workflows, to advance sustainable biomanufacturing.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating bioreactor preparation and operations, including setting up equipment, formulating growth media and using specialist instrumentation for the growth and propagation of microorganisms.
• Supporting the design and delivery of complex experiments and fermentation strategies for IDEA Bio framework projects and collaborative programs.
• Troubleshooting, maintaining and supporting the safe, efficient operation of scientific equipment, laboratory facilities, methodologies and protocols.
• Undertaking literature reviews, preparing reports, graphs, figures and presentations, and supporting client engagement and the day-to-day administration of the facility.

About You

• Completion of a degree-level qualification in biotechnology, chemical engineering or biochemical engineering, completion of a relevant diploma with subsequent experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Excellent practical research skills and experience applying relevant research methodologies and laboratory techniques.
• Experience using instrumented bioreactors and advanced bioprocess equipment.
• Demonstrated experience cultivating microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast, using screening methods, media selection and standard growth kinetics characterisation.
• Demonstrated laboratory skills, including preparing media, buffers and samples, implementing experimental protocols and using volumetric equipment.
• The ability to work both collaboratively with colleagues, clients, collaborators and students in an inclusive, multidisciplinary environment, and independently on routine procedures while remaining organised, methodical and self-motivated.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with previous experience in a similar role considered favourably.

About IDEA Bio

IDEA Bio has emerged as a state-of-the-art fermentation biofoundry, dedicated to providing high-quality services to both academic and industry partners. Our mission is to develop sustainable bioprocesses that contribute to the growth of Queensland’s bioeconomy and enhance Australia’s position in the global biotechnology landscape. IDEA Bio has fostered a robust network across key nodes funded by the NCRIS BioFoundry program. Our collaborations extend to the BPA Metabolomics and Proteomics Queensland and the Australian Genome Foundry nodes. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and collaborative projects. We have successfully delivered a robust platform for strain characterization and design through the implementation of analysis, bioprocess characterization, machine learning and artificial intelligence to accelerate cell factory engineering for advanced biomanufacturing.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Benefits

• up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave
• 17% super
• 17.5% leave loading
• flexible working options
• health and wellbeing programs
• a heavily discounted Study for Staff program
• on‑campus childcare
• affordable parking
• salary packaging

Pre-employment checks and eligibility

Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications. 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.

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.

Application deadline

Applications close Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-69816). Please note applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be contacted prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. The University of Queensland reserves the right to close this application process early.