Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer - Sustainable Waste Management

• Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology – Faculty of EAIT
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to 26 February 2027
• Base salary will be in the range $85,372.89 - $113,659.72 + 17% super (Academic Level A)
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity 

The Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to join our Sustainable Waste Management research team. In this role, you will contribute to exciting projects and undertake research in areas including waste management, water treatment and sustainable value-add while developing their expertise and emerging research profiles. Operation of pilot equipment at partner sites is a core aspect of the role.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Assist the project leader and Chief Investigators in managing and delivering research projects supported by ACWEB and Australian industry. Contribute to the design, construction, and operation of pilot-scale systems, ensuring the maintenance and safe daily operation of equipment. Present research findings at internal seminars, conferences, and industry workshops, and produce high-quality research outputs for publication or exhibition. Engage in knowledge transfer activities, working with stakeholders, industry representatives, and related research participants to apply technology and practices. Participate in competitive research funding applications and continually review best practice research methodologies.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, demonstrating personal effectiveness in managing researcher development. Lead and develop supervisees by providing feedback, coaching, and professional development. Manage research support staff in accordance with university policies and promptly address conflicts or grievances following university procedures.

• Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.

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 the areas of Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering.
• Proficiency in anaerobic digestion.
• Proficiency in pilot-based studies (desired).
• A record of publishing high-quality research papers in high impact scientific journals, and preparation technical reports to the participating industry partners.
• An ability to work both independently in a research environment and as a part of a cross-disciplinary research team.
• Exemplified high-level organisational and time management skills, with demonstrated capacity to establish and achieve goals with the ability to build smooth liaisons and strong partnerships with academic and industrial collaborators.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an exemplified ability to work collaboratively and establish a rapport and good working relationships with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and academic and professional staff.
• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities.
• Valid Australian driver licence.

We particularly welcome applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and others who may be underrepresented in this discipline.

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 Associate Professor Paul Jensen via p.jensen@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, 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, mandatory immunisations checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

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 talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Monday, 12 October 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-69504).