Postdoctoral Research Fellows In Polymer Chemistry/physics/engineering

Postdoctoral Research Fellows Opportunity

We are seeking two postdoctoral research fellows to conduct research into biopolymer films and composite materials. The project is supported by the Australian Research Council Linkage Project "Chemical and Mechanical Modification of Starch-Based Packaging Materials" in partnership with the Intertape Polymer Group, USA.

Both positions will be formally appointed through the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN); with one postdoctoral research fellow based at AIBN, while the other will work primarily with the collaborating chief investigators at The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).

This is a unique opportunity for you to focus your efforts on developing your expertise and emerging research profile in advanced polymer chemistry in an exciting industry. At this level, it is expected that you will also contribute to service and engagement roles and activities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Conduct research into the morphology of starch-based films and composite films; produce quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high-quality outlets; work to support and develop joint research projects and participate in applications for competitive research funding; contribute to progressing towards the transfer of knowledge, technology, and practices to research end users through translation, including commercialization of UQ intellectual property; develop a coherent research program and an emerging research profile; review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise honours and higher degree by research students, supervise and manage employees, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.
• 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.

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:

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in the field of polymer chemistry/physics/engineering.
• Experience in polymer physical chemistry or engineering including biopolymers.
• Expertise in polymer characterization including NMR, SEC, high-resolution electron microscopy, X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS), AFM, XPS, and other characterization methods.
• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• High level of inter-personal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.
• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities.

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.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Andrew Whittaker at a.whittaker@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.

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 talent@uq.edu.au.

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable, and inclusive selection process, which recognizes 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 24 August 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-54223). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late August.