FaBA Postdoctoral Research Fellows – Synthetic Biology & Microbial Engineering
The Australian Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) at UQ is driving the future of Australia's food and beverage sector through industry-research partnerships, advanced manufacturing, and training the next generation of agri-food innovators.
We are seeking two Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join the FaBA-Noumi industry project, hosted at UQ's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) and the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability (AGFS). In these roles you will:
Engineer microbial systems using cutting-edge synthetic biology tools and metabolic engineering strategies.
Optimise yeast platforms for the sustainable production of high-value food ingredients.
Collaborate with a world-class team at the interface of academic research and commercial translation.
Position Details
Two full-time (100%) fixed-term positions, each up to 2 years.
Base salary $98,****** – $109,****** plus 17% superannuation (Academic Level A).
Based at the St Lucian campus.
Position 1: Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Engineering Secretion Pathways in Yeast
This role focuses on enhancing protein secretion in Komagataella phaffii and other industrial yeasts. The work involves engineering signal peptides, chaperones, folding catalysts, and trafficking components; applying CRISPR/Cas9 and modular cloning tools; and validating engineered strains through molecular, biochemical, and omics analyses. The position provides hands-on experience in synthetic biology, strain engineering, and industrial biotechnology.
Position 2: Postdoctoral Research Fellow – High-Throughput Secreted Protein Quantification and Systems Biology
This role develops high-throughput assays—such as ELISA and LabChip—to quantify secreted proteins and integrates these data with multi-omics datasets to identify regulatory or metabolic bottlenecks. It involves statistical analysis and systems modelling, and close collaboration with strain engineering and bioprocess teams to connect protein titres with cellular fitness and cultivation parameters. The position offers strong exposure to advanced systems biology and industry-informed research with real-world impact.
Key Responsibilities
Produce high-quality research outputs, support commercialisation, contribute to funding applications, prepare reports and manuscripts, and apply best-practice research methodologies.
Support and develop junior researchers and students, provide effective supervision, uphold UQ's leadership expectations, and manage team matters professionally.
Demonstrate UQ values through collaborative service, contribute to unit operations and committees, and begin building external partnerships with industry, government, and professional bodies.
Qualifications
For Position 1 – Engineering Secretion Pathways in Yeast
PhD in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications.
Strong collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent problem-solving skills and strong written and verbal communication.
Experience mentoring students or junior researchers.
Demonstrated expertise in yeast molecular biology and protein secretion systems.
Experience with molecular cloning and genome editing tools (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9).
Desirable: Experience engineering chaperones, signal peptides, or secretory pathways in yeast.
For Position 2 – High-Throughput Secreted Protein Quantification and Systems Biology
PhD in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications.
Strong collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent problem-solving skills and strong written and verbal communication.
Experience mentoring students or junior researchers.
Demonstrated experience in high-throughput assay development and protein quantification (e.g., ELISA, LabChip).
Strong background in data analysis, statistics, and integration of multi-omics datasets (e.g., proteomics, metabolomics).
Desirable: Experience in systems modelling or HTS assay development to inform strain optimisation.
Desirable for Both
Evidence of presenting research at conferences.
Contributions to successful external research funding applications.
Application Information
The successful candidate may be required to complete pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and education check. Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package.
Questions? For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Yosephine Gumulya ( ) or Dr Huadong Peng ( ).
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at, stating the job reference number (R-*****) 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 nominate which position you are applying for and upload Resume, Cover letter, and responses to the 'About You' section.
Applications close Sunday January 11th **** at *****pm AEST. Interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the last two weeks of January.
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