• Food and Beverage Accelerator Program: Based in the School of Chemical Engineering
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position until 31 December 2026
• Base salary will be in the range $91,658.60 - $98,330.37 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About the Food and Beverage Accelerator

Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) is a $160 million initiative to boost growth and innovation in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Part of the Federal Government's Trailblazer Program, FaBA leverages $50m of government investment with more than $110m from universities and industry. Partners work across four areas: the research programs 'Innovative Ingredients' and 'Premium Food and Beverage Products', and the enabling programs 'Innovation Pathways' and the 'FaBA Training Centre'.

A national initiative, FaBA provides F&B manufacturers access to research teams, next generation industry professionals, state-of-the-art equipment and pilot facilities. FaBA is proudly hosted by The University of Queensland, in collaboration with participants QUT, UniSQ and UniQuest.

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Assistant to develop a research profile while contributing to the establishment of a new research capability in food extrusion. This role is part of the Premium Foods and Beverages program within the prestigious Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), offering the opportunity to work at the forefront of food extrusion research, driving innovation in sustainable and functional food production.

Key responsibilities will include:

• The Senior Research Assistant will provide technical research support and subject matter expertise, ensuring high-quality research outcomes across all stages of the research life-cycle. You will be assisting extrusion-based research projects, to develop state-of-the-art experimental capabilities in food structure design and optimising process technologies to convert plant and other protein sources into functional human foods.

• The Senior Research Assistant will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of a lab-scale twin-screw extruder located in the School of Chemical Engineering. They will be maintaining accurate records of lab activities and experimental data, as well as assisting in the delivery of high-quality research outputs.

• You will also contribute to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies, and protocols, while maintaining high standards of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage, and chemical/sample inventory management.

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.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• 17% superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
• Health and wellness discounts - fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• UQ Study for Staff
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

Completion of a degree in Chemical/Food/Materials/Biomaterials Engineering (or related field) with relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Excellent practical research skills, including the ability to plan and conduct experiments, develop standard operating procedures, carry out risk assessments, and manage labelling and waste disposal.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with extrusion processing, particularly with twin-screw extruders.
• Proficiency in standard materials characterisation techniques and in accurate data acquisition, processing, analysis, and presentation.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise tasks, meet strict deadlines, and work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear documentation and experience in literature review, experimental design, and preparing scientific reports or publications.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, mandatory immunisations (Hepatitis B), etc.

Work Rights:

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 Samira Siyamak via [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?

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the 'About You' section
• Resume

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 do not 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.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close on Monday 5 May 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-50345).