Senior Research Fellow – Level C or Principal Research Fellow – Level D

Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI). Full‑time, fixed‑term position up to 5 years.

Location & Salary

Based at Long Pocket Campus surrounded by natural bushland. Base salary $145,961.51 – $168,043.68 + 17% super (Academic Level C); $175,404.39 – $193,070.79 + 17% super (Academic Level D).

Key Responsibilities

Lead and expand an innovative research program in Food Design and Formulation, integrating AI‑enabled analytics and predictive modelling into food innovation.

- Lead high‑impact research in food design and formulation, food processing, ingredient functionality and structure–function relationships, producing publications and presentations in leading national and international forums.
- Develop innovative food processing technologies and scalable solutions that support translation from laboratory research through to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing environments, while strengthening industry partnerships and commercialisation pathways.
- Supervise HDR students and mentor emerging researchers, fostering a supportive, inclusive, high‑performing research culture.
- Build strategic partnerships across academia, industry and government, contribute to governance and service activities, and champion a collaborative culture aligned with UQ values.

Qualifications – Academic Level C (Senior Research Fellow)

- Completion of a PhD in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Established research profile with national recognition and a strong record of publications in high‑quality refereed journals and conference outputs.




- Demonstrated expertise in food design and formulation, ingredient chemistry, food functionality and structure–function relationships.
- Experience developing and optimising complex food systems and translating research outcomes into practical applications.
- Evidence of capability in scaling technologies and formulations from laboratory through pilot‑scale environments, including collaboration with industry partners.
- Experience applying AI, machine learning or advanced analytics to integrate chemical, sensory, process and experimental data to support innovation and process optimisation.
- Strong record of securing competitive research funding from national, industry or commercial sources.
- Demonstrated success in HDR supervision, researcher mentoring and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications – Academic Level D (Principal Research Fellow)

- Completion of a PhD in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Internationally recognised research profile with a sustained record of outstanding achievement and leadership in food design and formulation, food processing or closely related fields.
- Outstanding publication record in leading international journals and evidence of shaping significant research agendas within the discipline.
- Deep expertise in food and ingredient chemistry, processing technologies,



functionality and structure–function relationships, with evidence of delivering impactful innovation.
- Extensive experience leading scale‑up activities from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial manufacture, with demonstrated impact through industry adoption, translation or commercialisation of research outcomes.
- Proven leadership in the application of AI‑enabled data integration, machine learning and predictive modelling to accelerate food innovation and optimise processing performance.
- Excellent record of attracting and leading major competitive funding initiatives from government, industry and commercial partners.
- Extensive record of HDR supervision to completion and demonstrated capability to build, lead and mentor high‑performing research teams.
- Evidence of strategic partnership development, leadership of large cooperative programmes and influence across academic, industry and government sectors.

Application Information

For more information and to apply, contact Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa – Application inquiries should be sent to Talent Acquisition ( ) with the subject line referencing the job number. Resumes, cover letters and responses to the ‘About You’ section must be uploaded through the official application portal – applications received via email will not be accepted.

Applications close 17August2026 at11:00pm AEST. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for late August/early September2026.

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 criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity.

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📌 Senior Research Fellow / Principal Research Fellow (Food Design and Formulation Lead) (Long Pocket)
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