Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Fellow in Biopolymers and Biocomposites

• School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, Faculty of EAIT

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months

• Academic Level A or B (Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Fellow)

• Level A salary range $85,372.89 - $113,659.72

• Level B salary range $119,462.94 - $141,545.09

• 17% Superannuation

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity 

This is a great opportunity to join an industry-funded research project developing biodegradable packaging solutions to help tackle plastic waste (Solving Plastic Waste Cooperative Research Centre (SPW CRC).

In this role, you will be developing and commercialising biodegradable polymers and sustainable packaging solutions, working closely with industry partners to deliver research from laboratory development through to industrial implementation. The position also contributes to project management, student supervision, research publications, and future funding opportunities.

Key responsibilities for Academic level A will include: 

• Research: Produce high-quality research outputs, contribute to competitive funding applications, and collaborate on multidisciplinary research projects. You will develop an emerging research profile, apply best-practice methodologies, and support the translation and commercialisation of research outcomes to deliver impact for industry and the wider community.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, providing mentoring, feedback, and support to build researcher capability. You will also help manage research staff, foster a positive team environment, and resolve workplace issues in line with University policies and procedures.

• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate leadership through collaboration, active participation, and a commitment to UQ values. They will contribute to academic and administrative activities, support colleagues as needed, and help build productive partnerships with industry, government, professional bodies, and the wider community.

Additional responsibilities at Academic level B will include:

• Expected to demonstrate greater independence by leading research programs, taking a leading role in publications, securing and managing research funding, and achieving recognised impact in their field.

• Required to demonstrate effectiveness in supervising HDR students, facilitating their engagement and development, and taking greater responsibility for staff management and leadership.

• Expected to show leadership of both self and others through mentoring, effectively manage service and administrative responsibilities, and actively build and strengthen external partnerships and engagement activities.

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

About You 

Academic Level A:

• Completion of a PhD in Engineering with experience in Materials Engineering.

• Experience in industry-engaged research and the delivery of research outcomes from concept development through to industrial implementation.

• A developing reputation and track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

• Evidence of successfully seeking and managing external research funding.

• A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students.

• Experience in meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities.

Additional for Academic level B:

• A growing profile in research in the discipline area.

• A developing reputation and track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

• Evidence of successfully seeking and managing external research funding.

• A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students.

• Experience in meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities.

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.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Luigi Vandi via [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Other Information 

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia and qualifications 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 are 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 are also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close on Monday, 3 August 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-67007).