29 Jul
The University of Queensland
Saint Lucia
- IDEA bio based at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
- Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
- Base salary will be in the range $82,057.75 - $109,246.18 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
- Based at our vibrant St Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
IDEA bio is a fermentation biofoundry focused on the development of bioprocesses and robust microbial cell factories. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Synthetic Biology to contribute in the development of engineered microbial systems using cutting edge synthetic biology tools and metabolic engineering strategies, with a strong focus on the engineering of yeast (Yarrowia lipolytica, Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
Pichia pastoris). You will be an experienced and highly motivated systems/synthetic biologist, looking to apply your expertise and advance the development of microbial cell factories in alignment with IDEA bio Framework Projects. In this role, you will be primarily laboratory-based and will work closely with our systems biology and fermentation team to develop a novel microbial cell factory and implement strategies for the engineering of metabolic pathways in yeast, particularly Y. lipolytica.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Research:
- Design and implement strategies to engineer metabolic pathways in microbial hosts such as Yarrowia lipolytica, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Pichia pastoris.
- Develop and apply controls to validate engineered pathways for accuracy, stability, and performance.
- In collaboration with the Automation Specialist, develop and optimise automated protocols for strain engineering in yeast.
- Conduct microbial cultivation using established fermentation methods and contribute to the development of new fermentation strategies as needed.
- Coordinate and execute sample preparation workflows for downstream proteomics and metabolomics analyses.
- Generate high-quality experimental data and contribute to data interpretation and documentation.
- Assist in the design, development, and optimisation of research methodologies, protocols, and quality assurance standards.
- Prepare reports, present findings, and contribute to publications, including co-authoring scientific manuscripts and technical reports.
- Participate in the preparation of competitive research funding applications.
- Ensure robust implementation of standards and quality controls for reproducibility and reliability of outputs.
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments to maintain optimal performance.
- Supervision and Researcher Development:
- Provide training and technical support to students and research staff, including hands-on guidance in strain engineering and fermentation processes.
- Support the professional development of junior scientists, engineers, and technicians by sharing knowledge and best practices.
- Undertake supervisory responsibilities in line with UQ’s expectations for postdoctoral supervisors.
- Assist in fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment that supports skills development and mentoring.
- Actively contribute to the development of junior team members’ research capabilities and confidence.
- Citizenship and Service:
- Assist in maintaining smooth daily operations of the research centre, including support for lab infrastructure and shared booking systems.
- Provide expert advice on experimental methods, equipment selection,
risk assessments, quality assurance procedures, and chemical and biological waste management.
- Champion a proactive safety culture, assist with safety inductions, maintain training and equipment registers, and support compliance with UQ’s health and safety policies.
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement continuous improvement strategies for lab safety and efficiency.
- Resolve conflicts and grievances in accordance with university policies and contribute to a respectful and supportive workplace.
- Perform other duties as reasonably directed by the IDEA Bio management team or research supervisor.
- Contribute to broader research centre activities, such as outreach, reporting, and engagement with industry or academic collaborators, where applicable.
This is a research focused position.
Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
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.
At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.
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 including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
About You
- Qualifications and Field of Expertise: Completion of a PhD in Systems and Synthetic Biology, Molecular Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field..
- Technical and Research Experience: Demonstrated experience in yeast engineering,
with a strong preference for experience in Yarrowia lipolytica; Proficiency in synthetic biology tools and techniques such as PCR, modular cloning, Golden Gate assembly, USER assembly, and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing; Sound understanding and practical experience applying the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle, including the use of high-throughput methodologies and instrumentation to construct microbial cell factories; Practical experience in microbial cultivation, including yeast and bacterial systems, with demonstrated knowledge in media optimisation, strain screening, and growth kinetics.
- Analytical and Systems Biology Knowledge; A strong grasp of systems biology principles, including omics data interpretation and strain performance analysis.
- Automation and Computational Skills:
Experience in implementing automation protocols for microbial strain engineering; Working knowledge of statistical analysis using programming languages such as Python or R.
- Communication and Organisational Skills: Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and manage multiple tasks efficiently; Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams; Proven ability to produce clear and concise documentation, including experimental records and technical reports; Competence with Microsoft Office and a willingness to learn new digital tools (e.g., LabArchives, BioRender).
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, education check etc.
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.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Axa Gonzalez Garcia, Senior Bioprocess Engineer / Research Fellow, [email protected].
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Responses to the ‘About You’ section
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact [email protected].
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close Thursday, 21 August 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-53803). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late August.
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