Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer in Bio-separations and Membrane Engineering

• School of Chemical Engineering – Faculty of EAIT

• Dow Centre

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to 30/9/2029

• Base salary will be in the range $85,372.89 - $113,659.72 + 17% super (Academic Level A)

• Visa sponsorship may be offered for this position

• Based at our St Lucia Campus – Brisbane

About This Opportunity 

This exciting opportunity contributes to cutting-edge research in affinity membrane technologies for bio-separation and biomanufacturing. You will focus on the development of porous affinity chromatography membranes, computational design and optimisation of affinity ligands, synthesis of functional ligand polymers, and advancement of membrane-based protein purification processes. A key aspect of the position is translating innovative research outcomes into scalable membrane manufacturing technologies and industrial bio-separation.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Develop and apply integrated computational and experimental approaches to discover, screen, and optimise affinity ligands for protein separation. This includes designing and characterising functional ligand polymers, developing porous affinity chromatography membranes through fabrication and pore engineering, and evaluating their performance. The role also focuses on optimising membrane chromatography processes for protein purification and supporting the scale-up of technologies from laboratory research to industrial manufacturing.

• Teaching: Contribute to the development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, while fostering engagement with industry, government, professional bodies and the broader community.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, providing guidance, feedback, and support while fostering a positive and productive research environment.

• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate UQ values through collaboration, service, and engagement, contributing to unit priorities while building relationships with industry, government, and the wider community.

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 Chemical Science or Chemical Engineering.

• Demonstrated experience working on collaborative research projects involving academic and industry partners, with an understanding of applied research, technology development, and research translation.

• Expertise in membrane separation technologies, particularly in porous membrane development, membrane chromatography, affinity membranes, or membrane-based protein separations.

• Experience in the development, optimisation, and evaluation of bioseparation processes, including protein capture and purification, chromatographic process development and performance analysis.

• Experience in the design, development, and validation of affinity ligands and functional ligand materials for selective biomolecular recognition and separation applications.

• Demonstrated ability to apply computational and data-driven approaches, such as molecular modelling, molecular docking, virtual screening, or related predictive tools, to support ligand discovery and optimisation alongside experimental validation.

• Experience or demonstrated capability in translating laboratory-scale technologies toward process scale-up, large-area membrane fabrication, module development, pilot-scale evaluation, and industrial manufacturing applications.

• A proven ability to communicate research outcomes effectively through high-quality publications, presentations, reports, and engagement with a range of 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.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Xiwang Zhang 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, qualifications checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

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 Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-68610).