Research Fellow - Biomass Conversion and Bioprocess Engineering

About the role

The University of Queensland offers a full-time, fixed-term Research Fellowship (up to July 2028) in biomass conversion and bioprocess engineering, based at the St Lucia campus. It is part of the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub, Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon, which develops sustainable technologies to turn plant biomass into renewable fuels and high-value chemicals. The fellow works with academic researchers, postgraduate students and industry partners such as Novonesis, Sugar Research Australia and Praj Industries.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development, establishment and optimisation of integrated biomass conversion processes for diverse lignocellulosic feedstocks, including the Hub's one-pot biomass-to-product platform
• Design, run and optimise bioprocess experiments under industrially relevant conditions, evaluate multi-enzyme and biocatalytic systems and develop strategies for process intensification, reactor optimisation and process integration
• Contribute to techno-economic evaluation, collaborative project planning, competitive research funding applications and high-quality research outputs
• Supervise, mentor and develop Honours and Higher Degree by Research students and research personnel
• Take part in Hub activities, laboratory operations and internal service, and build relationships with industry, government and external collaborators

Required profile

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Industrial Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering or a closely related discipline
• An emerging research profile shown through publications in quality refereed journals and conference presentations
• Evidence of having sought, obtained and managed external research funding
• A growing record of supervising Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion
• Demonstrated research experience in bioprocess engineering, industrial biotechnology, biomass conversion or related areas, including process development, optimisation and experimental design
• Experience with biocatalytic systems, fermentation systems or integrated bioprocesses
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams

What we offer

• Base salary of $119,463 to $141,545 plus 17% superannuation (Academic Level B)
• Access to world-class facilities, grant-writing support and research funding opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave and 17.5% annual leave loading

Applications close 4 December 2026. Candidates must hold unrestricted work rights in Australia; employer-sponsored work rights are not available. Applications are made online with a resume and cover letter.