FaBA - Senior Research Assistant - Food Polymer Processing
Join to apply for the FaBA - Senior Research Assistant - Food Polymer Processing role at The University of Queensland.
- School of Chemical Engineering – Faculty of EAIT
- Full-time (100%), fixed-term position up to 31 December 2026
- Base salary: $93,491.78 – $100,296.98 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
- Visa sponsorship not available
- Based at St Lucia Campus – Brisbane
About This Opportunity
We are seeking a Senior Research Assistant to provide technical research support, ensuring high-quality outcomes across all stages of the research life‑cycle. The role contributes to establishing a new research capability in food extrusion within the Premium Foods and Beverages program of Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA). You will work at the forefront of food extrusion research, driving innovation in sustainable and functional food production.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake advanced research and contribute to extrusion research projects within the FaBA Trailblazer initiative.
- Support the development and execution of food extrusion projects.
- Apply specialist technical research skills, maintain accurate experimental records, and deliver high‑quality research outputs.
- Assist in preparing reports, graphs, figures, and presentations to communicate research outcomes.
- Contribute to training new users in the operation of UQ’s food extruders and laboratory facilities.
- Ensure the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies, and protocols, maintaining high standards of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage, and chemical/sample inventory management.
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 $50 million of government investment with more than $110 million from universities and industry. Partners work across four areas: the research programs ‘Cutting-edge Ingredients’ and ‘Premium Food and Beverage Products’, and the enabling programs ‘Innovation Pathways’ and the ‘FaBA Training Centre’. FaBA is proudly hosted by the University of Queensland, in collaboration with QUT, UniSQ and UniQuest.
Benefits
- 17% superannuation contributions
- 17.5% annual leave loading
- Flexible working arrangements: flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and condensed fortnight
- Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to the Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
- Career development opportunities – exclusive internal-only vacancies and the Study for Staff program
- On‑campus childcare options
- Cheap parking (from $6.15 a day)
- Salary packaging options
About You
- Completion of a degree in Chemical/Food/Materials Engineering, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
- Excellent practical research skills, including demonstrated ability to plan and conduct experimental research, develop standard operating procedures, carry out risk assessments, labeling and waste disposal.
- Demonstrated experience in advanced food or biomaterials characterization, accurate data acquisition, processing, analysis, and presentation.
- Hands‑on experience in extrusion processing; prior experience operating a twin‑screw extruder for biomaterials or food‑related applications highly desirable.
- Well‑developed problem‑solving skills, with the ability to forward‑plan, prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and work with high adaptability across projects.
- Ability to work independently under broad direction, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate and detailed records within a research or technical environment.
The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks including Right to Work in Australia, criminal history and education checks. You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment; employer‑sponsored work rights are not available.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Samira Siyamak via
For application inquiries, contact the Talent Acquisition team at, stating the job reference number (R-55969) 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: a resume and a cover letter summarizing how your background aligns with the ‘About You’ section. Our strength lies in our diverse colleagues; we are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you require an alternative submission method due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, contact
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, recognizing that some applicants may face additional barriers which have impacted 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.
Applications close on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at 11:00 pm AEST (R-55969).
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