Scientific Officer, Fermentation

About the role

The University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is hiring a full-time, fixed-term Scientific Officer, Fermentation for up to 12 months, based at the St Lucia campus. The role sits within IDEA Bio, an experienced and collaborative research team, and provides technical research support and specialist expertise across the bioprocess development lifecycle. It is primarily laboratory based and works closely with a senior fermentation engineer to implement fermentation strategies that characterise microbial strains and support sustainable biomanufacturing.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate bioreactor preparation and operations, including setting up equipment, formulating growth media and using specialist instrumentation to grow and propagate microorganisms.
• Support the design and delivery of complex experiments and fermentation strategies for IDEA Bio framework projects and collaborative programs.
• Troubleshoot, maintain and support the safe and efficient operation of scientific equipment, laboratory facilities, methodologies and protocols.
• Carry out literature reviews, prepare reports, graphs, figures and presentations, and support client engagement and the day-to-day administration of the facility.

Required profile

• Degree in biotechnology, chemical engineering or biochemical engineering, or a relevant diploma with subsequent experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience using instrumented bioreactors and advanced bioprocess equipment.
• Demonstrated experience cultivating microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast, including screening methods, media selection and growth kinetics characterisation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and independently on routine procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; previous experience in a similar role is considered favourably.

Required skills

• Practical research skills and experience with laboratory techniques.
• Preparing media, buffers and samples, implementing experimental protocols and using volumetric equipment.

What we offer

• Base salary in the range $85,451.97 - $94,983.84 plus 17% superannuation (HEW Level 5).
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental and primary care leave, 17.5% leave loading, flexible working options, health and wellbeing programs, a discounted staff study program, on-campus childcare, affordable parking and salary packaging.

Applications close 4 November 2026; pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, and employer-sponsored work rights are not available. Applications must be submitted through the university's Talent Acquisition team with a resume and cover letter.