Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioengineering (University of Queensland)

Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) The University of Queensland Job Type: Full-time (100%), Fixed-term up to 2 years Academic Level: Level A Salary: $83,698.91 – $111,431.10 plus 17% Superannuation Location: St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Australia Application Deadline: 4 March 2026, 11:00 pm AEST Reference Number: R-60061 About the Opportunity The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is seeking two Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join a multidisciplinary research team working at the intersection of metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, bioprocessing, and sustainable biotechnology. These roles offer an excellent opportunity to contribute to high-impact research, collaborate with leading academics and industry partners, and develop your academic career within a globally recognised research environment. Available Positions 1. Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Pseudomonas Metabolic Engineering and Fermentation Process Development This role focuses on a collaborative project integrating microbial strain engineering and bioprocess development, with particular emphasis on the metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas putida to convert acetate into valuable bioproducts. 2. Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Synthetic Biology and Strain Engineering (Pseudomonas) This role contributes to research leveraging Pseudomonas putida as a robust industrial chassis for sustainable bioproduction and bioremediation, using advanced synthetic biology and strain engineering approaches. Key Responsibilities Research Contribute to established research programs and collaborative projects Seek and manage research funding Publish in reputable peer-reviewed journals Apply best-practice research methodologies Participate in project planning and research discussions Supervision and Researcher Development Assist in supervising Higher Degree by Research and Honours students Supervise staff and provide training and performance feedback Support professional development and resolve workplace issues Citizenship and Service Support partnerships and collaborative initiatives Contribute to mentoring, committees, and internal service roles Undertake administrative duties as required Uphold University values and contribute to a positive workplace culture These are research-focused positions. Further details are available via UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance. About You Essential (Both Roles) PhD in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, microbial biotechnology, biochemical engineering, or a related field Demonstrated expertise in bacterial genetic engineering (preferably Pseudomonas spp.), including pathway construction, genome editing, and regulatory tuning Experience in microbial cultivation and bioprocess development (shake flask to bioreactor) Experience interpreting quantitative growth and production data Experience with one or more of: Adaptive laboratory evolution High-throughput screening ‘Omics data sampling and analysis Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, with a publication record commensurate with opportunity Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to laboratory safety Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams Desirable (Both Roles) Experience in redox or energy metabolism engineering Experience with co-feeding strategies or gaseous substrates Experience producing or analysing fatty acids or derivatives (GC, LC, MS) Additional Desirable – Synthetic Biology Role Experience working with complex industrial feedstocks (e.g. molasses, hydrolysates) Experience managing inhibitors and feedstock variability Experience with immobilised-cell systems About UQ The University of Queensland is a Group of Eight institution renowned for research excellence, world-class facilities, and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Staff benefit from: Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and grant support Flexible working arrangements and hybrid work options Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave 17.5% annual leave loading Recognition of prior service with Australian universities Career progression through the academic promotions framework Additional Information Appointment is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including right-to-work verification and role-specific requirements. Relocation support and employer-sponsored work rights may be available for interstate or international candidates (upfront costs apply). How to Apply Please submit the following documents: Resume Cover letter (indicating your preferred position) Responses addressing the “About You” section For accessibility support or alternative application methods, contact talent@uq.edu.au. Enquiries Research enquiries: Dr Birgitta Ebert – birgitta.ebert@uq.edu.au Application enquiries: Talent Acquisition Team – talent@uq.edu.au (Please include reference number R-60061 in the subject line.) If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Engineeroxy

Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
The University of Queensland

Job Type: Full-time (100%), Fixed-term up to 2 years
Academic Level: Level A
Salary: $83,698.91 – $111,431.10 plus 17% Superannuation
Location: St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Australia
Application Deadline: 4 March 2026, 11:00 pm AEST
Reference Number: R-60061

About the Opportunity

The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is seeking two Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join a multidisciplinary research team working at the intersection of metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, bioprocessing, and sustainable biotechnology.

These roles offer an excellent opportunity to contribute to high-impact research, collaborate with leading academics and industry partners, and develop your academic career within a globally recognised research environment.

Available Positions

1. Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Pseudomonas Metabolic Engineering and Fermentation Process Development

This role focuses on a collaborative project integrating microbial strain engineering and bioprocess development, with particular emphasis on the metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas putida to convert acetate into valuable bioproducts.

2. Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Synthetic Biology and Strain Engineering (Pseudomonas)

This role contributes to research leveraging Pseudomonas putida as a robust industrial chassis for sustainable bioproduction and bioremediation, using advanced synthetic biology and strain engineering approaches.

Key Responsibilities

Research

Contribute to established research programs and collaborative projects
Seek and manage research funding
Publish in reputable peer-reviewed journals
Apply best-practice research methodologies
Participate in project planning and research discussions

Supervision and Researcher Development

Assist in supervising Higher Degree by Research and Honours students
Supervise staff and provide training and performance feedback
Support professional development and resolve workplace issues

Citizenship and Service

Support partnerships and collaborative initiatives
Contribute to mentoring, committees, and internal service roles
Undertake administrative duties as required
Uphold University values and contribute to a positive workplace culture

These are research-focused positions. Further details are available via UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About You

Essential (Both Roles)

PhD in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, microbial biotechnology, biochemical engineering, or a related field
Demonstrated expertise in bacterial genetic engineering (preferably Pseudomonas spp.), including pathway construction, genome editing, and regulatory tuning
Experience in microbial cultivation and bioprocess development (shake flask to bioreactor)
Experience interpreting quantitative growth and production data
Experience with one or more of:
- Adaptive laboratory evolution
- High-throughput screening
- ‘Omics data sampling and analysis
Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, with a publication record commensurate with opportunity
Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to laboratory safety
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams

Desirable (Both Roles)

Experience in redox or energy metabolism engineering
Experience with co-feeding strategies or gaseous substrates
Experience producing or analysing fatty acids or derivatives (GC, LC, MS)

Additional Desirable – Synthetic Biology Role

Experience working with complex industrial feedstocks (e.g. molasses, hydrolysates)
Experience managing inhibitors and feedstock variability
Experience with immobilised-cell systems

About UQ

The University of Queensland is a Group of Eight institution renowned for research excellence, world-class facilities, and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Staff benefit from: