Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer – CO₂ Utilisation Technologies

• School of Chemical Engineering – Faculty of EAIT
• GETCO2
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to 18 October 2029
• Base salary will be in the range $85,372.89 - $113,659.72 + 17% super (Academic Level A)
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity 

This is a great opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to support the GETCO2 centre with undertaking environmental life-cycle assessment (LCA) of CO2 utilisation technologies with a focus on GETCO2’s priority product pathways as well as related emerging technologies.

This role also applies techno-economic assessment (TEA) to evaluate GETCO2 technologies, producing research and recommendations that guide technology development priorities. It will offer you opportunities to contribute to teaching and PhD supervision.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Lead life-cycle and techno-economic assessments of GETCO2 technologies, integrating environmental and economic analyses to identify pathways with the greatest sustainability potential. Working closely with researchers and industry partners, the role will generate high-quality research outputs, support funding applications, and contribute to knowledge translation, commercialisation, and the development of an emerging research profile.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, fostering a positive research environment while effectively managing researcher development, resolving conflicts, and addressing grievances in line with University policies and procedures.

• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate UQ values through collaboration, service, and active participation in University activities, while building relationships with industry, government, professional bodies, and the wider community.

• Teaching: Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching as required, delivering high-quality learning experiences and continuously improving teaching practice in response to student feedback.

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

About You 

• Completed or near completion of PhD in environmental science, chemical/process/energy engineering, industrial ecology or a closely related discipline.

• Demonstrated experience conducting environmental life-cycle assessment, including life-cycle inventory (LCI) compilation and life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA), ideally applied to energy, chemical or industrial process technologies.

• Ability to engage with techno-economic assessment concepts and outputs, and to work collaboratively with TEA-focused colleagues to integrate environmental and economic findings.

• Experience engaging with industry partners on technical data collection.

• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.

• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards 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 A/Prof Simon Smart 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 Tuesday, 25 August 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-67794).