School of Chemical Engineering – Faculty of EAIT Full-time (100%), fixed-term position until 30 October 2026 Base salary will be in the range $80,448.78 - $107,104.10 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A) Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane About This Opportunity This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer to develop your expertise and emerging research profile in polymer science/engineering. In this position you will work with Professor Bronwyn Laycock on delivering against the research program of the newly awarded ARC Discovery grant on Controlling the lifetime of biodegradable polymers in natural environments (ARC DP250102432). The focus will be on the development of modified polymer surfaces of biodegradable polymers in order to understand the effect this has on biofilm formation and subsequent biodegradation. This project will focus on 1) modifying the polymer surface topography, 2) altering the surface chemistry, and 3) monitoring biofilm formation and biodegradation rates post modification. Key responsibilities will include: Research: Modify the surfaces of biodegradable polymers, particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates, using techniques like electron beam lithography and laser surface texturing to create varying topographies and chemistries. Fully characterize these materials with advanced analytical techniques, monitor biofilm formation, and assess biodegradation rates. Produce high-quality research outputs, apply for competitive funding, and collaborate on joint projects. Contribute to the transfer of knowledge and commercialisation of UQ intellectual property, while developing a coherent research program and adopting best practice methodologies. Teaching: Participate in undergraduate or postgraduate teaching as needed, ensuring quality based on approved surveys and student outcomes, and innovate in response to feedback. Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, demonstrating personal effectiveness in managing researcher development. Lead and develop supervisees by providing feedback, coaching, and professional development. Manage research support staff in accordance with university policies and promptly address conflicts or grievances following university procedures. 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 polymer science or engineering, preferably with a focus on surface modification. An emerging profile in research in polymer science/engineering. Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences. Evidence of practical laboratory skills in polymer bulk and/or surface modification, especially electron beam lithography and laser surface texturing. Evidence of advanced analytical skills relevant to polymer science/engineering, such as confocal microscopy, AFM, SEM, TEM, Raman imaging, NMR analysis. Some experience in meaningful 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, criminal check, education check, mandatory immunisations, etc. 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 Professor Bronwyn Laycock via b.laycockuq.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 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 talentuq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments. Applications close on Sunday, 6 April 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-49058).