Institute for Molecular Bioscience Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years Base salary will be in the range $80,448.78 - $107,104.10 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A) Based at our St Lucia Campus About This Opportunity This is an exciting opportunity to join and work closely with a multidisciplinary team (Professors Vollmer and Capon, and Dr Khalil) to explore the natural products chemistry of Australian soil microbes, to detect, identify and evaluate new classes of antibiotic that selectively inhibit bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. This will be achieved by applying a bioassay guided approach to prioritize microbial extracts that exhibit the desired antibiotic properties, followed by cultivation and chemical profiling to optimize production and dereplicate, ahead of scaling up cultivation, fractionating, isolating and identifying promising new classes of antibiotic. Key responsibilities will include: Research: The cultivation, isolation, taxonomic characterisation and cryopreservation of soil microbes (bacteria and fungi). Analytical scale biological profiling to both detect, and facilitate the bioassay guided discovery of promising new classes of antibiotics. Analytical scale chemical profiling of microbial extracts and fractions, inclusive of UPLC-DAD-MS and UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-GNPS), to rapidly differentiate new from known, and rare from common natural product classes. Analytical scale cultivation profiling of microbes in a miniaturised 24-well format (MATRIX) to arrive at optimal conditions for the production of target chemistry. Scaled up microbial cultivation followed by extraction and chemical fractionation (Gel, HPLC), to facilitate the purification of target chemistry. Detailed spectroscopic (NMR, MS, UV-vis and polarimeter) and chemical analysis to facilitate the structure elucidation of target chemistry. Accurately document all research activities in lab books and specialist databases. Prepare regular high quality written research reports and oral presentations, and actively participate in research group meetings. Prepare and publish research manuscripts in leading peer-reviewed journals. Administration: Support and contribute to the safe and efficient operations of research group equipment, infrastructure, methodologies and protocols. Contribute to general laboratory administrative support, including ordering consumables, waste disposal, and instrument and equipment maintenance. Supervision and Researcher Development: Provide supervisory support for research students and/or professional staff. 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. 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 Completion or near completion of a PhD in natural products chemistry. An emerging research profile in natural products chemistry. Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and conference presentations. Experience in 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. 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 Professor Rob Capon, r.caponuq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talentuq.edu.au, 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: Resume Cover letter Responses to the ‘About You’ section 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. We know one of our strengths 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. Reach out to talentuq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments. Applications close Saturday 19 April 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-49184).