• Centre for Crop Science
• Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 18 months
• Academic Level A or B
• Base salary will be in the range $80,448.78 - $133,381.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A or B)
• Based at our St Lucia campus

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A) or Research Fellow (Level B) to contribute to a cutting-edge research project focused on developing a digital twin of a poultry breeding program. The project aims to investigate novel prediction technologies and alternative breeding program designs to create and prioritise opportunities for accelerating genetic gain prior to real-world implementation. This project is delivered in collaboration with Cobb-Vantress Inc. and funded through the Cobb Research Initiative.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team at QAAFI and will have the opportunity to develop their expertise and research profile in predictive breeding, quantitative genetics, and digital agriculture. The role also includes opportunities for supervision, engagement, and contribution to broader research initiatives.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Establish a research program, collaborate on research projects, seek and manage research funding, publish in reputable journals, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise students, recruit 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. For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.

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

For Level A

Applicants will have completed or be near completion of a PhD in quantitative genetics, animal breeding, computational biology, or a related field. Additionally, you will demonstrate:

• An emerging research profile in the discipline area.
• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.
• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities.
• Evidence of collaborative research and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

For Level B

Applicants should possess a PhD in the discipline area. Additionally, you will demonstrate:

• A growing profile in research in the discipline area.
• A developing reputation and track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Evidence of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing external research funding.
• A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion.
• Experience in meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, education check, and other as required.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Owen Powell at [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 Wednesday 16th July 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-52492). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled shortly after.