Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Plastic Chemicals and Human Health

About the role

The University of Queensland's Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences is offering a full-time, fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Fellow position based at its Dutton Park campus, running through to 31 December 2028. Supported by research funded by the Minderoo Foundation, the fellow works with project lead Dr Xianyu (Fisher) Wang to investigate exposure sources and measure plastic additive chemicals in human matrices. The base salary ranges from $85,372 to $113,659 (Academic Level A) with 17% superannuation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead or co-lead analytical method development, validation and application for measuring plastic additive chemicals in human and other complex matrices, producing quality research outputs and publications.
• Contribute to competitive funding applications, collaborative research projects and the translation of knowledge, technologies and practices to research end users.
• Contribute to the supervision and development of research support staff, Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, giving constructive feedback, training and professional development.
• Take part in internal and external service activities and build links and partnerships with industry, government, professional bodies and the wider community.

Required profile

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental health, toxicology or a related discipline, with relevant research experience.
• An emerging research profile in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry or a closely related field.
• Evidence of publications in respected refereed journals and conference presentations.
• Evidence of contributing to applications for external research funding or other research support.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and contribute to student supervision and external engagement.

Required skills

• Strong laboratory capabilities and experience in trace organic chemical analysis of complex matrices, including human body fluids or tissues.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS QToF or GC-HRMS instrumentation.
• Knowledge of analytical method development, validation and application for trace-level chemical analysis.

What we offer

• Salary of $85,372 to $113,659 (Academic Level A) with 17% superannuation.
• Access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support and greater research funding opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading and career progression through the academic promotions process.
• Support for relocating candidates to Brisbane, including possible employer-sponsored work rights and relocation support (reimbursement subject to eligibility).

Applications close on Sunday 8 November at 11:00 pm AEST (reference number R-70079). Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter responding to the selection criteria; email applications are not accepted. Pre-employment checks include verification of qualifications and mandatory immunisations.